It appears African leaders are unmoved by the accusations by the West claiming that China is exploiting the African continent through its shrewd trade deals and interest-free grants.
African countries seem to think otherwise, they see China as a better alternative to Europe, the United Kingdom, and America.
There is no denying that China has been generous to Africa especially in the past decade, but whether this generosity is what Africa truly needs and at what price does it come remains aspects that African leaders do not seem necessary.
Burkina Faso is the latest African country to swear allegiance to the Asian giants.
President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso has pledged to further strengthen the development of ties between his country and China. He also says he has keyed into the one-China principle claiming that there is only one China in the world – a country greater than any other.
He made his assertions public during the official visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi to the Burkina Faso capital, Ouagadougou.
The president said he was determined to improve talks with China in order to protect the interests of Burkina Faso and Africa in general.
In his remarks, the Chinese state councilor said that Kabore’s decision to resume diplomatic relations with China was a welcome development and will benefit the people of Burkina Faso in no small way. He further said this will go on to reflect positively across Africa having won unanimous support from the people of Burkina Faso and being widely welcomed across the African continent.
Wang said that the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries has laid a political foundation for bilateral cooperation, and China is willing to work with Burkina Faso to deepen peace and security cooperation.
Burkina Faso re-opened ties with China after cutting off its relationship with Taiwan.
The People's Republic of China (PRC) views the Island of Taiwan as a province which should be under its rule, while Taiwan - a territory with its own democratically elected government, thinks otherwise. As a result of this, China cut off all relationships with Taiwan and sanctions every country that deals with Taiwan.
Dealing with Taiwan in the past had made Burkina Faso appear only on the black books of China, preventing the country from getting aid like other African countries in its region.
Well, President Kabore thinks it is time to switch allegiance and embrace a country which has unarguably become the largest donor to Africa in the last decade.
Burkina Faso is the second stop of Wang’s five-day traditional New Year trip to Africa. The trip, which started on Wednesday includes visits to Ethiopia, Gambia, and Senegal.
It appears China is winning the battle of Africa and also in reducing Taiwan’s relevance on the global stage.
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