One of the classic problems we have, is that we build bases. The Chinese show up and build roads, dams, etc. The Chinese are not altruistic, but they are much smarter and more of a chess nation than checkers playing DC.
China also makes loans to these nations, not grants, and when they are forfeited, take their return in natural resources.
> One of the classic problems we have, is that we build bases. The Chinese show up and build roads, dams, etc. <
Right. I was listening to NPR radio awhile back, and they were interviewing some young African guy. I forget from which country. The African was going on and on about how great a friend China was.
Turns out China provided engineers and low-interest loans to build a modern system of roads for the capital. And now traffic could move so much better. Everyone was very grateful.
Of course China will not be as friendly when the loans come due. Unfortunately, the NPR interviewer was simply too dumb to ask about that.