China in Africa

President Hu's visit to Africa has positive and negative effects. His visit pushed forward the image of China as a power player in international diplomacy. China's interest in the region allows African nations to play the world powers against each other giving African leaders greater polictical influence they might not recieve because of a lack of prospertiy. I see the negative sentiments as a positive sign for democracy in African countries and China. For African democracy, it shows the ability of the people to question the policies of their governments and enhances their power in setting their national agendas. For China, it shows the government the "other" side of stepping up to the international spotlight. It isn't all glory and photo opts. The policies powerful nations pursue affect many people outside of their borders.
The negative effects of the visit center around China's hidden motives. African nations are rightfully weary of Chinese "gifts" because as much as it would be nice to think Chinese officials were doing it out of benevolence all nations have an agenda. For instance, US investment during the Cold War centered on getting UN votes. For China, it is opening new markets and accessing cheap raw materials, i.e. oil, to fund their economic expansion. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. China has every right to look out for its economic interest, but African nation's should beware of international powers' "gifts". The short term benefits of these "gifts" may have long term policies that are determintel to a nation's soverignty