China remains Africa’s true friend not foe
EDITOR — I want to say that almost every upright Zimbabwean will agree with the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Huang Ping that China does not want to colonise Africa.
The western world has for long used and exploited Africa, a continent they said was in need of saving, a place of needy and helpless souls.
Today, a new Africa has emerged challenging the way that the West images Africa.
Africa is now one of the engines of global economic growth, the next great frontier for development and economic opportunity.
Unfortunately for the West, China has been the first to come to that realisation.
The continent has become central to the strategic interests of a rising superpower from the East — China.
The Asian country had long ago established diplomatic ties with a vast number of African nations and supported many in their liberation struggles against Western imperialism.
Using a diverse arsenal of tools, from increasing trade, investment, loans and infrastructure aid, China has emerged as the dominant friend of Africa.
The West views China’s investment into Africa in the light of neo-colonialism, or of exploitation, but Africans know that China is our partner.
We will continue to work together with China as they are better than the West who always carry an exploitative agenda.
Kudzai Rushwaya, Harare.