From AP:
President Hu Jintao opened a summit with dozens of African leaders Saturday by pledging to double China’s aid to Africa, provide billions of dollars in loans and build hospitals and schools as it tries to expand economic and political ties.
China is trying to present itself as a partner in Africa’s economic and social development as it turns to the continent for new sources of oil and export markets to drive its booming economy.
The two-day gathering includes heads of state from 35 of the 53 African nations _ one of the largest such gatherings in history _ and envoys from 13 others. [Full Text]
See CDT’s former post: “China Strengthens Its Ties to Africa – Shai Oster” from Wall Street Journal.
