Just the Chinese moving in to fill a vacuum left by the disengagement of the Western Powers. Africa has long suffered from Colonialism.

Economic manipulation is just as insidious as physical occupation. its about control. Loans always have strings attached. I hope the money goes on economic development and infrastructure that will help the recipient Nations but history sadly shows this is often not the case.

The modus operandi is known. China finance projects on the condition that Chinese firms and Chinese products are used for a large share of the project's value.

On 7/10/2018 at 11:04 PM, Grouse said:

Thanks to Trump I am indeed rather anti USA right now.

 

I support the Iranians and if they do a deal with China good.

 

I see China acting in the ME for multiple reasons but partly to poke Trump in the eye.

 

I do believe that assisting with ME and African economic development may help reduce the flow rate of economic migrants.

 

These people won't expect any help from the USA any time soon

 

 

 

That's nice. But Iran isn't even mentioned in the OP, so essentially just another pointless bash attempt. And believe what you will, but doubt these beliefs are strongly supported by anything factual. I don't know that there are clear plans set as to how funds will by utilized or where they will be diverted. If going by China's track record, more likely to assume government projects or ones related to large corporations. Given players, doubtful this will directly or promptly translate into "reduce flow rate of economic migrants" to Europe.

 

 

On 7/10/2018 at 11:12 PM, bristolboy said:

They could agree to buy a lot more Iranian oil.

 

They could do many things. In theory. But then again, this topic is neither about Iran, nor about China fulfilling the fantasies of an anti-US poster.