China Offers Africa More Trade, Investment

The proposals seem intended in part to blunt criticisms that rapidly growing economic ties were chiefly benefiting the Chinese side, with China reaping natural resources and cornering consumer markets while creating too few jobs for Africans. International aid watchdogs and good governance groups have likewise criticized Beijing for its loan policies in which few conditions are attached, thereby encouraging corruption.

"China has closely followed the development of Africa and sincerely wishes to make its contributions to the African people in developing their nations and creating a better life," Chen said.

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