African nations wary of China’s aid

China’s extravagant diplomatic efforts to secure energy resources from African nations is making the international community increasingly wary about Beijing’s motives.

Chinese President Hu Jintao may have felt a change in this respect during his recent visit to eight African countries. This will make it necessary for China to think twice about its desire to secure energy resources in African countries.

Beijing’s efforts to win African nations over to its side have been particularly evident since Hu took office.
His latest African tour followed a similar visit to that part of the world in April 2006, marking the third of its kind by the Chinese leader. In June, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited seven African nations. In November, leaders from 48 African countries attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-African Cooperation, during which Beijing announced it would double its African aid.

During his latest tour, Hu pledged economic aid worth more than 300 million dollars to six African countries, including Sudan, an important oil exporter to China. It is believed that more than half of China’s foreign assistance is received by African nations.

In recent years, China has been stepping up efforts to secure natural resources from African countries in exchange for massive aid and investment. Today, Africa accounts for more than 30 percent of China’s total oil imports.

Daily Yomiuri