Chinese leader arrives for Africa visit as US interest wanes

[left-of-center2012]

Source: ABC News

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Africa on Saturday on a four-nation visit seeking deeper military and economic ties while his rival in a bitter trade war, the Trump administration, shows little interest in the world's second most populous continent.

China is already Africa's largest trading partner, and it opened its first military base on the continent last year in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, which this month launched a China-backed free trade zone it calls the largest in Africa. After surpassing the U.S. in arms sales to Africa in recent years, China this month hosted dozens of African military officials for the first China-Africa defense forum.

Xi is stopping in Senegal and then Rwanda ahead of his participation in a summit of the BRICS emerging economies in South Africa that stars on Wednesday. Last month the foreign ministers of BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa criticized what they called a "new wave of protectionism," saying U.S. measures undermine global trade and economic growth.

Xi's Africa visit also highlights China's sweeping "Belt and Road" initiative that envisages linking Beijing to Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia via a network of ports, railways, power plants and economic zones.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chinese-leader-arrives-africa-visit-us-interest-wanes-56729204

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[NurseJackie]

1. China will become very influential (and respected) in Africa.

... and that benefits China.

[ansible]

2. It's like a bizarre form of colonization

Except this time the chinese have no intention of ever leaving like whites did to Africa.

[Achilleaze]

3. Yet another republican SURRENDER of US power, prestige & security

deplorable

[keithbvadu2]

5. OUCH!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. True. . . . nt

[dembotoz]

4. between our disinterest and trump tariffs maybe we can just sell to ourselves

[Johnny2X2X]

7. Belt and Road trade deal

Look it up, this trade deal is the core of China's plan to be the dominant economy and culture on the panet for the next 100 years. Everything they'e done is to prepare for this deal to go forward without the US. The trade war plays right into China's hands.

Trump is quite literally daring China to do exactly what they've been planning on doing anyway for the last 20 years.

[Crowman2009]

8. Not surprised since Chinese weapons are the most affordable.

Given how strapped for cash most African military forces are, I'm not surprised that they are less interested in our expensive weapons.