In recent years, Beijing has identified the African continent as an area of significant economic and strategic interest. America and its allies and friends are finding that their vision of a prosperous Africa governed by democracies that respect human rights and the rule of law and that embrace free markets is being challenged by the escalating Chinese influence in Africa. China is becoming good friends to many African nations, as the US has been. Between 2002 and 2010, China-Africa trade jumped 50 percent, to $180 billion. It's expected to grow to $300 billion before 2020.
In recent years, Beijing has identified the African continent as an area of significant economic and strategic interest. America and its allies and friends are finding that their vision of a prosperous Africa governed by democracies that respect human rights and the rule of law and that embrace free markets is being challenged by the escalating Chinese influence in Africa. China is becoming good friends to many African nations, as the US has been. Between 2002 and 2010, China-Africa trade jumped 50 percent, to $180 billion. It's expected to grow to $300 billion before 2020.