China Goes to Africa

I just came across Time's photo stories, many of which are quite interesting. I'll be posting about them periodically going forward.

From Time...

In the last decade, trade between China and Africa has mushroomed to over $106 billion. In his new book, La Chinafrique photographer Paolo Woods explores how the Chinese are changing life on the vast continent.

Imboulou Dam, Democratic Republic of Congo

Funded by the China National Mechanical and Equipment Corporation, this 120-megawatt power plant will double the DRC's national production of electricity and bring light to a large part of the country.

My hope is that China will act responsibly and will contribute to the development of Africa. My fear is that they will follow in the footsteps of the British, Portuguese, Italians, Dutch, and the U.S. and use Africa solely to further its own economic and political objective.

The photos seem to indicate a little bit of both. Click here to view the entire photo gallery.