China has recently started numerous aid projects in Africa, but their view of assistance differs substantially from Western countries' assistance policies.
A great example is China's aid project in Angola. Here, the Chinese Government has invested $ 2 billion. This money is supposed to develop Angola's logistics and supply people with clean water.
Angola is one of the leading countries regarding corruption. Most people in Angola make a living on less than two dollars per day and a small minority has enormous wealth.
The Chinese approach to assistance is very different from our European vision. They do not want to interfere with the other country's policies.
China would like to focus on building infrastructure in African countries which they believe is the foundation for sustainable growth. The Chinese Government has, however, a demand for its assistance to investment. The requirement is that 70 percent of the invested money should go to Chinese companies that will implement the projects.
Tony Harkén