When China Met Africa

In November 2006, over 50 heads of state from various African countries met in Beijing to forge a partnership between China and Africa. Promises of investment involved US $50 billion in preferential loans and export credits, a developmental fund to stimulate investment, and zero trade tariffs. But what exactly are the geostrategic ramifications of the agreement? The answer comes from the Zambian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr Liu, a Chinese businessman canvassing new opportunities in the area, and Mr Li, an industrialist building the country's longest road.