The promise of the concessional loans further China's investment in the continent, aimed at improving such infrastructure as roads and energy production as well as developing agriculture and undertaking health and education initiatives.

VOA: standard.2009.11.08

China's no-strings-attached lending has led to charges that it will do anything to get at the continent's rich resources, including propping up governments accused of repressing its citizens, in particular Sudan and Zimbabwe.

VOA: standard.2009.11.08

China's involvement on the continent has increased dramatically over the past several years, fueled by Africa's growing demand for cheap Chinese products and the need for greater infrastructure investment in the African energy and transportation sectors.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The red continent?

If China is now offering to boost the continent's infrastructure, that reflects something more than just philanthropy or diplomatic opportunism.

ECONOMIST: China and Latin America

After years of intermittent engagement, China's 50-year relationship with the African continent has accelerated recently, with discussions on issues including energy, security and trade taking center stage.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An African "Marshall Plan"