Is China the new colonialist?

[Dave A]

What have AIDS, crime and China got in common?

[duncan drennan]

What have AIDS, crime and China got in common?

There is unfortunately not a "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" smilie

[Dave A]

There's quite nice piece on Clem Sunter's view on this issue on Fin24 here. I think this little snippet pretty well somes up the situation in a nutshell.

China had fervently defended accusations of neo-colonialism, saying unlike the European colonialist powers, they had no wish to impose the Chinese culture on Africa. "It is up to the other side to structure a deal that has long-term benefits for themselves," Chinese officials said.

[duncan drennan]

That's pretty much the reality of any business deal. Just one thought....just because they don't want to establish their culture does not necessarily imply that they are not interested in pulling the strings.

[Dave A]

There is no free lunch!

[Dave A]

I quite like the sentiment and tone expressed in this new report.

China: World must do more for Africa

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday called on the world community to do more to help Africa as he opened the annual meeting of the African Development Bank in Shanghai.

Debt relief and technology transfers were among the tools the wealthier nations could use to help boost growth in Africa, Wen said at the start of the much-anticipated two-day gathering in China's financial hub.

"Africa needs to rely on itself to sustain development, but international support and systems are also indispensable," Wen told delegates.

"We call on the international community to deliver on aid pledges to Africa and reduce and cancel African debt, improve its terms and market access, and increase technology transfers."

These steps will help Africa towards "enhancing its capacity for self-development and to achieving sustainable social and economic development", the premier said.
full story from M&G here

Rather than waving the "you're duty bound to help us" flag (this maddening "rights" approach), I do so wish our leaders would take the "We're doing our best to get Africa on track - your kind assistance in this will help us succeed."