[Nowhere Man]

I always believed that Africa was better under colonialism or at the very least, not ready for self rule when decolonization started around 1960 or so. Africa has a vast wealth of resources but it lacks the infrastructure and technical know-how how to get them. Africa also need a modern day Cecil Rhodes to be able to some up with the infrastructure needed along with the engineering. I have been flamed in other places with my views but I still stick to them.

However, reading about Red China expanding into Africa, I think our latter day Cecil Rhodes will most likely be a Chinaman. We must be very concerned here in the West, but in a way we did it to ourselves, the West left Africa, except for giving out money that does little or no good, and as the saying goes, "nature abhors a vacuum" so the Red Chinese move in.

Come to think of it, IIRC, the Chinese started to make small inroads into Africa as early as 1420 but the rulers then decided to turn inward soon after, I guess to them, it is unfinished business of the Celestial Kingdom.

[sinanju]

The National Geographic is still displaying their Admiral Zheng He and the Ming Fleet exhibit at Explorer’s Hall in D.C..

There is no comparison. Zheng He and his officers were a tower of benevolence. He wanted only to open up trade routes and expand geographic knowledge. He pointedly avoided establishing colonies and, while he did get involved militarily in a few places, it was only to prop up local rulers who had signed treaties with China.

I can see this current wave getting involved militarily if local rulers even think of trying to kick them out and nationalize what they’ve built. Whether or not there is a strategic plan to export their surplus young men remains to be seen.