In possibly the most critical comments made by a modern British Prime Minister about China’s growing global influence, Mr Cameron admitted the West is increasingly alarmed by Beijing’s leading role in the new ‘scramble for Africa’.
China has poured billions into Africa in recent years – buying up natural resources and infrastructure while asking few questions about some of the unsavoury regimes involved.
On the last day of his tour of Africa, he acknowledged at Nigeria’s Lagos Business School that he was keen to counter the ‘Chinese invasion’ of Africa.
In a major speech on development, he urged Africa to introduce democratic reform.
In a joint article with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in a Lagos newspaper, Mr Cameron said: ‘It is now possible to imagine an Africa no longer dependent on aid, and a real source of growth for the whole world.
‘And the road to get there lies through freeing up the wealth-creating power of enterprise and trade.’
Chinese influence has grown massively in recent years across Africa, fuelled by natural resources such as oil, iron and copper.
These are shipped to China and then end up back in Africa in the form of vehicles or footwear.
Trade between Beijing and Africa was worth £70billion by the turn of this decade. It was worth £4billion ten years before. Trade deals with more than 40 countries have been signed, including Uganda, Kenya and Algeria.
The communists also provide billions each year in loans to states on the continent, extending their political as well as economic influence.
It is estimated that more than a million Chinese have moved to Africa since trade started booming.
Naija Beware of China Invasion ooooooooo
All we need is to make sure we learn from their experience in making our own vehicles or footwear so the business can grow more in Africa
ReplyDeleteWell that's if they wd teach us..which I doubt very much
ReplyDelete