U.S. to counter China, Russia influence in Africa -Bolton

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations “corrupt” and “predatory.”

Washington’s No 1. priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protecting the independence of African countries along with U.S. national security interests, he said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation.

“Great-power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa,” Bolton said.

“They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders of the world’s two largest economies, have been trying to resolve trade disputes that have roiled markets.

“China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption,” Bolton said.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China’s cooperation with Africa was about helping the continent develop and had been widely praised there.

“When we talk about cooperation with Africa, what we mostly talk about is what does Africa need, like agricultural modernization,” Lu told a daily news briefing.

“But the U.S. person, apart from talking about the United States’ own

needs, wasn’t thinking about Africa, but about China and Russia. This is very interesting.”

China will continue its friendly, mutually beneficial cooperation with Africa, no matter what anyone else says, he added.

Bolton had equally harsh words for Russia.

“Across the continent, Russia advances its political and economic relationships with little regard for the rule of law or accountable and transparent governance,” he said.

He accused Moscow of selling arms and energy in exchange for votes at the United Nations “that keep strongmen in power, undermine peace and security, and run counter to the best interests of the African people.”

Bolton said “predatory practices” by China and Russia stunt economic growth in Africa and threaten nations’ economic independence.