China's Increased Presence in Africa

Fire of Liberty

It seems that the Chinese have begun to establish great inroads into the various capitals of Africa. Though the Chinese haven't established military outposts our alliances throughout the continent like the Soviets did in the 1960's to 1980's, they have established substantial relationships with such states. In an effort to establish greater access to the minerals and oil that reside under the ground in the continent, the Chinese have help build various roads in nations like Kenya, Rwanda or increasing trade with various nations throughout the region. What's worrisome about this whole new Chinese adventure is that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has thrown its support behind various regimes that are considered some of the worst tyrannies in Africa. The most obvious example of the communist PRC's dealings with such file regimes is it's newfound relationship with Zimbabwe. Aside from helping to construct Robert Mugabe's exquisite palaces throughout the capital Harare, the Chinese have also turned towards its tyrannical roots through other surreptitious actions. Just look at what The Christian Science Monitor reported:

In addition, China or its businesses have reportedly:

• provided a radio-jamming device for a military base outside the capital, preventing independent stations from balancing state-controlled media during the election campaign;

• begun to deliver 12 fighter jets and 100 trucks to Zimbabwe's Army amid a Western arms embargo; and

• designed President Robert Mugabe's new 25-bedroom mansion, complete with helipad. The cobalt-blue tiles for its swooping roof, which echoes Beijing's Forbidden City, were a Chinese gift.

What the World doesn't need is a large nation like China gaining a great influence in some of the worst autocracies in the African continent. Unlike the US, who demand democratic change for aid or trade deals, the Chinese are more than willing to look the other way and continue to deal with such vile regimes in return for oil or backing in the UN Security Council. I guess the US will have to use its weight to demonstrate to the people that their best interest are with the US and its message of freedom and democracy. It beats continued starvation and tyranny by the government.