africa

www.oldworldwandering.com — “Which country are you from? America? France?”
“No, I’m from South Africa.”
“South America?”
“No – South Africa.”
“South Africa?”
“Yes.”
“Aah…”
“But you’re white! You can’t be South African!”
“Well, I am.”
“But people from Africa are all black!”

www.economist.com — Angola--along with Saudi Arabia--is China's largest oil supplier and that alone makes Mr Vicente an important man in Beijing. But he is also a partner in a syndicate founded by well-connected Cantonese entrepreneurs who, with their African partners, have taken control of one of China's most important trade channels.

www.saferworld.org.uk — China's growing economic role in Africa is well-documented; trade between China and the African continent increased from just over $10bn in 2000 to $115bn in 2010. However, the report highlights that China is also now an important player in Africa's peace and security challenges.

blogs.ft.com — For those dragon slayers in search of evidence that China’s involvement in Africa is nothing less than a latter day attempt to re-colonize the continent, news from Zambia may be of interest. Two Chinese mine managers there have been charged with attempted murder after live rounds were used last week to quell protests over pay and conditions at a coal mine south of the capital, Lusaka.

www.cbc.ca — Across Africa, China is pursuing a natural resources bonanza. In Angola it's oil; in Mozambique, it's timber and in Zambia, it's copper. This grand enterprise has earned the world's greatest emerging economy both friends and critics.