On Visit To Africa

President Hu Jintao is currently on a 12-day tour of Africa, aimed at improving economic and political ties between China and Africa. While in Sudan, China announced an interest-free loan intended for infrastructural improvements. They also buy most of Sudan's oil. While in Zambia they announced investment of $800 million.
China's Hu Jintao met with Zambia's Levy Mwanawasa where they both claimed that deal is equally beneficial for both countries. The deal consists of creating a special economic zone in Zambia's copper-mining area. Zambia benefits from bringing the investment in the country while China benefits from operating without having to pay import or value added taxes. China also agreed to write off part of Zambia's debt to China. The world has a divided position on this visit, some claim that China is exploiting the workers from these countries or that they should use this visit to pressure these countries on improving their human rights, especially Sudan with their Darfur conflict. Guy Scott, Patriotic Front General Secretary, told Reuters "they are out to colonize Africa economically and also to get Africa's solidarity at the United Nations" while Zambia's president claimed "This will go a long way in boosting economic development in our country,”