Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Not long ago, the US-based Atlantic Council released three reports that cobbled together the "incriminating evidence" of China's "misdeeds" in mining, forestry and fisheries cooperation with West African nations. While leveling these baseless accusations, the think tank also dished out what it called "well-meaning" advice to Africa — all but thinly veiled attempts to counter China. Against the backdrop of Washington's all-out push to suppress and contain China, this sudden burst of "concern" for Africa has left many asking: What is the US trying to achieve?

Using its grip on global public opinion to attack and smear rivals is a classic US playbook. So, it's no surprise that these three reports are yet another round of selective blindness and biased mudslinging at China-Africa cooperation. For years, the US narratives have pinned one label after another on China-Africa cooperation: "neocolonialism," "debt traps," "environmental destruction," "resource plundering" — the list goes on. But here's the truth they choose to ignore: China-Africa cooperation is a towering tree, deep-rooted and heavy with fruits.

For decades, China has built its Africa partnership on sincerity, real results, amity and mutual benefit — not empty promises. We've unclogged Africa's development arteries with infrastructure projects: railways, roads and ports that connect communities and boost trade. We've shared agricultural know-how to grow sustainable harvests, turned mineral resources into engines of industrialization and unlocked coastal nations' potential with blue economy projects. The benefits of win-win China-Africa cooperation are visible in uplifted livelihoods, strengthened economies and enhanced African voices.

Take Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, built with Chinese support. It's not just steel and tracks — it has created about 74,000 jobs, cut transport costs by over 40 percent, and become a "steel dragon" powering Kenya's economy. In Rwanda, China's "juncao" technology has not only stopped deforestation in its tracks but also put more money in local families' pockets. In Madagascar, locals call China's hybrid rice "tsara be" — "the best thing" — because it feeds their communities. And in the Republic of the Congo, the No. 1 National Highway, an eight-year joint project, now carries over 90 percent of the country's cargo, making it a "road of hope" for millions.

Even the US-orchestrated reports can't dispute these facts and grudgingly admit: "Chinese investment has advanced Africa's infrastructure and trade," and "China's involvement has created local jobs and provided technical support."

But let's flip the script. Before these think tanks point fingers at China, shouldn't they turn the mirror on themselves? Has the US ever treated Africa as an equal? What has the US actually done for the continent — beyond breaking promises? Remember the US government's "America First" bullying? It slashed aid, hiked taxes and strong-armed African nations to hand over critical minerals. The stories of the US overreach in Africa are endless — they're not stories of help, but stories of exploitation.

And let's talk about the money. Last September, the US House of Representatives passed a bill allocating $325 million every year for five years — all to counter China globally. That's over $1.6 billion in total. Imagine if those resources were not wasted on sabotaging China's cooperation with other countries, but were put to good use, building schools in Tanzania, hospitals in Ghana or farms in Senegal. How many African lives could that change?

Here's a simple truth: If the US really cares about Africa, it should stop lecturing and start delivering: Respect Africa's choices and meet Africa's real needs. No political strings attached, no hidden agendas. Be a friend, not a boss. That's how to genuinely contribute to Africa's growth and win the trust of the African people.

China-Africa cooperation is not without challenges — but it's built on trust, equality and real outcomes, and the "tree" stands firm and strong. No smear campaign can change that, nor can it ever shake what China and Africa have built together.

The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN. He can be reached at xinping604@gmail.com