China in Africa

I am often asked about the presence of China in Africa.  This is how I respond.

(1) It is true that the Chinese concentrate on infrastructure, including roads and bridges. But this focus is not simply to provide the means to get raw materials to port for shipment to China. It is what the governments want -- roads, bridges, buildings.

(2) Unlike the West, China does not tie aid to human rights. Many African leaders like this.

(3) China's involvement in Africa is all about the UN. China's roads in Africa are Africa's votes for China at the UN.

Here's an example of China's influence in Dodoma.