The Economist (April 20)
2011/ 04/ 22 by jd in Global News
African countries welcomed China with open arms. Supplying over a third of China’s oil, Africa’s largest trading partner is now China. Good will, however, is in shorter supply. Africans are accusing China of “ripping them off.” Tension arises from the poor, often dangerous, working conditions provided by some Chinese employers. The shoddy construction of some pledged public works generates more complaints. The Economist reports a “Chinese-built road from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, to Chirundu, 130km (81 miles) to the south-east, was quickly swept away by rains.” In the capital of Angola, “cracks appeared in the walls” of a Chinese-built hospital “within a few months and it soon closed.” Trade is still booming, but suspicions are growing.
