Today concludes Hu Jinato's 'magical mystery tour' across Africa ('magical' for all the 'gifts' Hu left behind; 'mystery' because, well, much of Chinese foreign policy remains precisely that). Despite the economic downturn and decreased demand for African resources, Hu did his best to persuade African leaders that China cares.
During times of adversity, it is all the more important for China and Africa to support each other, work in concert and tide over the difficulties together [...] As for problems that may arise from our cooperation, we want to properly resolve them through consultations with our African friends on an equal footing so as to maintain the larger interests of our friendly cooperation
How "friendly" this cooperation actually is for Africans, bypassing the political hacks sitting in Chinese-built mansions (a general overstatement, of course, but it does well to drive the point home), remains uncertain. With increasing numbers of Chinese entrepreneurs moving into cities across the continent, Chinese companies driving out indigenous firms - in both the formal and informal economic sectors - and dubious labor conditions maintained in cases where Africans are hired, protests continue to mount. In a bow to this reality, Hu repeated support for Chinese companies to "to shoulder more social responsibilities and forge amicable relations with the local communities."
He said as much after the riots at Chambishi mine in Zambia, as well as on several other occasions. Only minor improvements in labor conditions and 'friendly cooperation' have been reported. Umpteenth time's a charm?