China welcomed developed nations becoming more involved in aid to Africa, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao on Tuesday.

"While China engages in economic, trade and cultural cooperation with Africa, we urge any other countries, especially developed countries, to give a hand to Africa so that Africa can achieve development," said Liu.

"If other countries in the world want to collaborate in helping Africa, this is a good thing, but no side can exclude the other," said Liu.

Liu was responding to a question on comments by Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who called on Europe and Japan to coordinate aid in the face of China's growing influence in Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2007)