Why China is seeking greater presence in Africa – the strategy behind its financial deals

By Linda Calabrese, Senior Research Fellow in the International Economic Development Group, ODI

China’s relationship with Africa is set to deepen. At a summit in Beijing in early September, China’s president, Xi Jinping, pledged to deliver US$51 billion (£39 billion) in loans, investment and aid to the continent over the next three years, as well as upgrading diplomatic ties.

Beijing’s close engagement with Africa is not new. Since 1950, the first overseas trip of the year for Chinese foreign ministers has almost always been to one…

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