JUST THOUGHT A THOUGHT - ON CHINA-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP; A RELATIONSHIP FORGED IN GOODWILL AND TRANQUILITY OR...? PART 1.

The relationship between countries, is rarely established and maintained on the basis of altruism and equality. 

But rather on principles of national self-interest, personal ambitions of the ruling elites, and geo-political considerations. 

How strong and sustainable these relationships become, is likely to be dependent on the level of mutuality and complementarity between the principles and policies of the respective nations

As the China-Africa Forum closes in Beijing, China, with encouraging speeches from co-chairs, Presidents Xi Jinping and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. 

With Senegal's President Macky Sall welcoming the opportunity to work with the leaders of China and Africa to promote the partnership, as the new co-chair. 

It is an opportune time to pose the question: 'What do  China and African countries have to win and lose, in this already much developed partnership?

In recent times, China has been actively involved in Africa for many decades now. No only has it been involved in providing peace keeping troops in war-torn East Africa. 

But it has also been investing in much needed infra-structure construction projects, and commercial and industrial ventures in many African countries. 

Including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia and others. 

Indeed, China has also made inroads into countries in the Americas and West Indies, including Jamaica, where there has been native Chinese-Jamaicans for over a century.

For sometimes different reasons, there are Chinese, Africans, Europeans, Americans and others, who have concerns about the burgeoning partnership between China and Africa. 

To be continued!