BEIJING -- China on Tuesday refuted criticism on the country's so-called "dollar diplomacy" in Africa, saying China never uses economic means to seek diplomatic recognition by other countries.

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Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remarks while commenting on a question that some Taiwanese media has accused the Chinese mainland of winning diplomatic recognition in Africa through trade and loans.

"China has all along been developing diplomatic relations with other countries, including the African countries, based on equality, mutual benefit and respect," Liu told a regular press briefing.

He said it is merely a despicable act for the island to criticise the motherland in such a poor excuse.

Taiwan has been separated with the Chinese mainland since 1949, when the then ruling Kuomintang (Nationalist Party of China) regime fled to the island after losing a civil war with the Communist Party.