Zimbabwe Pursues Made-in-China Future (China's rising African influence)

[DeepModem Mom]

New York Times:
From Shoes to Aircraft to Investment, Zimbabwe Pursues a Made-in-China Future
By MICHAEL WINES
Published: July 24, 2005


....Shunned by Western leaders and investors for his government's human rights policies, Zimbabwe has begun a determined campaign to hitch its plummeting fortunes to China's rising star.

(Robert) Mugabe calls the policy Look East and has relentlessly promoted it as another way to thumb Zimbabwe's nose at its old colonial ruler, Britain, and Britain's allies, like the United States. The sheer intensity of the pro-China drive has stirred resentment among average Zimbabweans and raised eyebrows among the elite, some of whom question whether Mr. Mugabe is simply replacing British political domination with a more up-to-date Asian economic rule.

But it is a hand-in-glove fit for the Chinese, who are steadily extending their political and economic influence across Africa, particularly in regions rich in oil and minerals.

The Chinese are widely reported to covet a stake in Zimbabwe's platinum mines, which have the world's second largest reserves, and and Mr. Mugabe's government has hinted at a desire to accommodate them....Meanwhile, from Angolan oil to Zambian copper mines, China is investing billions of dollars securing access to resources for its fast-growing economy. And because they show few scruples about their partners' human rights policies, the Chinese are becoming entrenched in some states, including Zimbabwe and Sudan, that bridle at Western criticism.

While the talk is of democracy sweeping the continent, some experts believe that China's rising influence here may power its blend of free-market dictatorship, particularly among African leaders already reluctant to turn over power democratically....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/24/international/africa/24mugabe.html

[Patty Diana]

1. Rice goes around threatening the entire world while China keeps

adding allies to it's list by sending Emissaries of Peace everywhere. I'd personally like to thank the entire fucking schrub adminintration and all those ignorant fools who voted for them (even though they really did't win).

[Frances]

2. I am so angry at Bush

I do NOT want China to dominate the 21st century, but the Bush administration is making decision after decision that hurts us and helps China!

[classysassy]

3. Mugabe can't

Bush can.Why can't Mugabe trade with China we do.?I think I know the answer,do you?.