中欧社会论坛 - China Europa ForumAfrica between China and the West: The New War of Influence
Authors: Abdoulaye W. Dukulé
Date: 24 novembre 2006
URL: www.theperspective.org
On his way to attend the 5th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC,
November 4-5, 2006, Beijing), President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal stopped over in
Washington, DC and had discussions with American policymakers. In one of the
meetings, the subject of China came up and Wade was asked if Africans were aware
that China was only interested in Africa’s oil and other raw materials. President Wade
responded by asking:” Do you think we are children?” A few months ago, when she
addressed a group of development specialists in Washington, DC, Liberian President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was also asked about China in Liberia. Her response was that in
her short term in office, she has learned that China always delivers fast on its
promises. During a banquet honoring the visiting Chinese President in Abuja in April
2006, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said “We want China to lead the world,
and we will be right behind you!”