China versus USA: promoting trade with Africa

By African Bulletin on June 17, 2011

It took only few days to China to respond to the recent comments made by Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State,

who was visiting Zambia, when she said: “We do not want to see new colonialism in Africa”. Although she did not mention china but it was a veiled allusion to various partnerships that China has contracted with African countries. To this, he Chinese comments came through Mr. Hong Lei, the Foreign Affairs’ spokesman, who replied in clearer terms : ” China and Africa have historically been the victims of occupation and persecution, and all know exactly what that means when it comes to colonialism, before to add:“ we have never imposed our will on African countries.   In short, Africa is at the center of the race between the two major economies: On one side, the U.S, who is used to reconcile the international cooperation with respect of ethical principles and on the other side China, accused by the First Nation of being silent on all matters related to human rights and civil liberties by its trading partners. But Beijing has always declared to be “firmly opposed” to foreign involvement in the regional disputes. Again and in short, why the quarrel is so boiling between the two economic powers? It is simply due to the fact that both nations are seeking to defend their interests on the continent. The latter, can manage the two opportunities offered and make a good and wise equation of the two cards in a win-win configuration for its development. Unfortunately, Africa’s people are not yet good enough to their countries as long as a mentality of self-interest is prevailing on those of the collectivity. Therein lays the real obstacle to the development of the continent. By the way, Mrs. Clinton said also: …it is easy to come in, take out natural resources, pay off leaders and leave”. U.S. Secretary of State was speaking about colonial times, but she made it clearer when she added: “When people come to Africa to make investments, we want them to do well but also want them to do good”.