Glitzy new AU headquarters a symbol of China-Africa ties

[xchrom]

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/28/uk-africa-china-idUKTRE80R0RG20120128

Reuters) - Standing on what was once Ethiopia's oldest maximum security prison, the new African Union headquarters funded by China is a symbol of the Asian giant's push to stay ahead in Africa and gain greater access to the continent's resources.

Critics point to an imbalance in what they see as the new "Scramble for Africa." But the prospect of growing Chinese economic influence is welcomed by African leaders, who see Beijing as a partner to help build their economies at a time when Europe and the United States are mired in economic turmoil.

And Africans are hoping for more Chinese largesse.

"The future prospects of our partnership are even brighter," Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Saturday at the new headquarters' multi-storey amphitheatre, where an African heads of states' summit will take place Sunday and Monday.

[Zalatix]

1. More exploitation of Africa... hooray.

[madrchsod]

2. now it`s china`s turn to colonialize africa....