I agree with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There, I said it. I haven’t had occasion over the years to say those words in connection with her, or with her husband for that matter, so when it happens, it’s probably worth noting.
So what was she talking about? Africa. And China. And colonialism. Secretary of State Clinton was in Lusaka, Zambia when she warned African leaders of a “creeping new colonialism” from foreign governments and investors who extract natural resources, but do little or nothing for the African nation or its people. Although she didn’t specifically refer to them by name, all indications are she was referring to China as the culprit.
China has been on a tear in recent years, cutting deal after deal to acquire natural resources wherever it can. Oil has been a top target, and Africa has oil, and a lot of other desirable resources. Chinese actions not only exploit many third world nations, but they often undercut the cause of freedom and stability in critical parts of the world.
Sudan in North Africa for example, where villagers in the Darfur region were being burned out, pillaged, raped, and murdered, the callous Sudanese leadership was basically immune from U.S. and Western sanctions, because China continued to buy their oil, no matter how reprehensible their actions were.
Same thing with Iran. Virtually all of the civilized world has been trying for years to convince Iran to give up its nuclear program through sanctions, and thus avoid the necessity of military action. Unfortunately, the sanctions have had only a limited impact on Iran, since China continues to buy Iran’s oil and trade with them – the rest of the world be damned.
China wants to be treated with the respect due a world power. Perhaps it will get that respect when it starts acting like a world power. (But don’t hold your breath.)
