Africa and China
Resources
China’s hunger for resources has driven a boom in investment and aid to Africa. But Beijing’s role in the continent is increasingly attracting criticism, both in Africa and worldwide
Editorial Comment: Food investment, not imperialism
There is a risk powerful nations will use aggressive foreign policies to secure food supplies and exclude competitors, but it has not arrived yet
China eyes overseas land in food push
Chinese companies will be encouraged to buy farmland abroad, particularly in Africa and South America, to help guarantee food security under a plan being considered by Beijing
Congo outlines $9bn China deal
Agreement pledges millions of tonnes of copper and cobalt to Beijing in exchange for roads, railways and other infrastructure but operational challenges are great and officials from multilateral institutions privately warn it could scupper a debt write-off if it saddles Congo with fresh debt
Editorial comment: No guns for Mugabe
South African dockers have shown that real momentum may yet come from the clear-eyed disgust of millions of the continent’s onlookers
China recalls Zimbabwe arms shipment
China say a shipment of weapons bound for Zimbabwe is to be recalled after South African port workers refused to unload it and amid a call from Britain to prevent arms flowing into the troubled country.
African protests repel arms ship
A Chinese ship carrying arms for Zimbabwe may have to return home, Beijing has conceded, as pressure mounted across southern Africa to stop it reaching its destination
China oils Nigeria talks with loan
Beijing has agreed to lend Nigeria $2.5bn for infrastructure projects in a renewed attempt to win access to markets and energy reserves in Africa’s main oil exporter
S African union blocks Zimbabwe arms cargo
One of South Africa’s largest unions has refused to unload a consignment of arms destined for Zimbabwe from a Chinese ship intensifying a row over the government’s policy towards its troubled northern neighbour.
India follows China’s path in Africa
A “blueprint” for India’s intensifying engagement with Africa will be unveiled, a symbolic step that reflects New Delhi’s desire to mimic the close economic and commercial ties forged by Beijing in recent years
China offers Nigeria $50bn credit
China has offered export guarantee facilities worth up to $50bn to encourage investment in Nigeria in a bold strategy to woo Africa’s biggest oil producer
