Strings or no Strings Attached?

One of the biggest developments in international aid in the past decade has been the rise of China and its increasing economic presence in the developing world- specifically in Africa. In the past two years alone China has promised to: train 15,000 African professionals, $ 3 billion in preferential loans, and $ 2 billion in export credits in a three year period and a development fund to help create hospitals and schools. In exchange, many African countries have been granting Chinese companies access to trade contracts and natural resources. The Chinese are not demanding that leaders respect human rights or transparency and it seems to be increasing their influence on the African continent, shouldn’t the U.S. follow suit? Is it any of our business what goes on in those countries? In my opinion, we should focus more on building infrastructure, institutions, and develop connections with important power broker instead of focusing on democracy and human rights. Besides, international criticism of oppressive regimes rarely bares fruit, and, usually backfires because it angers our partners. Only if the U.S. develops connections and improves lives can pressure have any meaningful effect. In order to be a world leader you must adapt, if not you get left behind.

For information go to:
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-Chinese-Aid-Flows-into-Africa.html
http://gyanguru.org/china-aid-africa/