Visualizing China’s Aid to Africa

China Aid Map Reveals Nearly $100 Billion Infrastructure Investment Boom in Africa

By Eva Constantaras on June 30, 2016

In June of last year, 50 countries signed on to the Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, including the U.K., Germany, Australia, and South Korea, acknowledgement of China’s success in driving development through mega-projects to build railways, bridges, freeways, and airports. China’s history of secrecy surrounding its development projects drives speculation about its motives. Even in countries that support the AIIB, there is anxiety about the bank’s underlying foreign policy agenda, especially in light of trends in Africa, the largest regional recipient of Chinese aid.

Where Is China’s Internet Headed?

A ChinaFile Conversation

By David Schlesinger, Jeremy Goldkorn & more on June 30, 2016

Lu Wei, the often combative Chinese official known as China’s “Internet Czar,” will step down, and is to be replaced by a former deputy of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The personnel change comes after a period of mounting restrictions on China’s Internet. We asked contributors to the Conversation to reflect on changes in the Internet space over the past year and on what they expect to see in the coming months.

Namibia’s Chinese Ivory Smugglers

A China in Africa Podcast

By Eric Olander, Cobus van Staden & more on June 30, 2016

Namibia is the rare country in Africa that seems to be holding its own against ivory poachers. Whereas in most other southern African countries the elephant population is being decimated, in Namibia, according to the government, the number of elephants has actually increased by 20 percent since 2005 to over 20,000.

Chinese Investment in Euro Soccer Soars to Meet President’s Goals

on June 30, 2016

Chinese companies are buying soccer teams across Europe, echoing the Beijing government’s ambitious plan to turn the nation into a soccer powerhouse.

The powerhouse plan, which has backing from President Xi Jinping, has led to nine deals inked by Chinese investors for stakes in soccer clubs in France, Italy, Britain, and other European countries since January 2015.