JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 4 -- China proposes that the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi noted that China, in conducting its relations with Africa, will adhere to the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests.

The Johannesburg meeting is the second summit of the 15-year-old FOCAC, which groups China, 50 African countries that have established diplomatic ties with China, and the Commission of the African Union.