Beijing published its first ever policy paper outlining China's economic role in Africa, claiming that total

bilateral trade between China and 45 African countries in the first 11 months of 2010 stood at $114.8

billion, eclipsing a record of $108 billion set in 2008. The report also indulged in a bit of

self-congratulation, heralding China's efforts to bolster development in Africa (it is the continent's largest

trading partner). Many observers, including some U.S. diplomats, have voiced concerns that China's

Africa policy is motivated only by economic gain and has filled the coffers of more than a few dubious

regimes.

China's bilateral trade with Africa, then and now

1950

$12.4 MILLION

2010

$114.8 BILLION

SOURCE: CHINA'S STATE COUNCIL INFORMATION OFFICE