An indication of just how new the Chinese leadership is on the world stage is how sensitive they are to world opinion. Governments and NGOs around the world have been accusing the Chinese government and Chinese companies of neo-colonialism, mercenary tactics in taking oil and other natural resources out of African countries and not giving much back except deep holes and richer African dictators. Recently, Wen Jiaobao pledged US$10 billion in concessional loans to African countries to help finance infrastructure projects; that, after a U$5 billion handout three years ago to alleviate debts of some of the African countries. Though China can certainly be accused of “Dancing with Dictators” (to take a page from the book about the questionable relationships between American administrations and dictatorships around the world), it could be argued that Chinese money is getting into African societies more quickly and effectively than all the money NGOs have ever provided since the 1960s. However, one tricks the Chinese donor-ship can learn from the best NGOs that would reduce international criticism is transparency of operations and of governance. But then, I heard said that leopards really can change their spots.

Read more: BBC, FT