International Herald Tribune:

China aims to increase its clout in Africa. Unsaid goal: Redraw world's strategic map.

Quotes:

"They are not the first big foreign power to come to Africa, but they may be the first not to act as though they are some kind of patron or teacher or conqueror"


"The Western approach of imposing its values and political system on other countries is not acceptable to China."


Some African economists complain that China wants to extract raw materials for industry and then sell manufactured goods back to Africa, repeating a mercantilist pattern that failed to spark sustained growth in the past.


"China insists that it will not interfere in other countries' domestic affairs, but it also claims to be a great friend of the African people. But that doesn't square with staying silent while mass killings go on in Darfur."


"The Africa forum would address human rights and good governance, and specifically mentioned Sudan... The humanitarian situation in Darfur should be improved... We will adopt our own method and use the upcoming summit to do our part."