China Safari: On the Trail of Beijing's Expansion in Africa

Published by Nation Books, 2009, softcover, illustrated, index, 306 pages, condition: new.

Fascinating book. Was expecting a highly critical book about the Chinese role in Afria. Refreshingly instead, this book stands back and takes a look at the bigger picture. Unhindered by colonial guilt, the chinese have made themselves an unstoppable force in Africa. While the west sees Africa primarily through the prism of aid and handouts -- the chinese see only business.

This book revolves around interviews and stories of Chinese businesses and workers, the writer travels to the source in China where the companies are and where the workers are recruited and then travels to various countries in Africa. This is the story of the fall of an empire and the rise of a new one.

This is also a book that highlights indirectly why aid to Africa will never work -- Aid is about giving money for indefinite periods with indefinite and vague goals -- the Chinese are all about investing money into business all of which have definite goals and tangible end products. Clarity of vision always yields a winner!