China's foreign aid is still categorized as South-South cooperation and it will provide assistance to foreign countries within its ability, said Wang Xiaotao, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Wang Xiaotao (Photo: Xinhua)

China will make sure that every penny is used wisely in foreign aid, Wang said at a Ministers' Corridor news briefing of the two sessions on Sunday.

The establishment of the agency is a major reform in China's foreign aid system, he said, adding that it has stepped up efforts to improve overall efficiency, strengthen supervision and evaluation, and carry out wide exchange with other countries.

Work at various fronts has seen a good beginning, he added.

China's foreign aid work will show the sense of justice and sympathy of the Chinese people, as well as their image of holding out helping hands when friends are in need, Wang said.

China will work with other countries and international organizations to contribute to implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.

The agency was set up in April last year, and its main tasks are drafting strategic guidelines, plans and policies for foreign aid, coordinating and providing policy advice on major issues, and drafting plans and evaluating foreign aid tasks.