China Is Secretly Taking Over Zambia

James Maarsten: Hi, Black man here! Though I'm African-American and not African- ...African(?), as a Black man, I'm sensitive to the history of colonization by western powers that has affected us historically and worldwide. If European powers hadn't left so much of Africa impoverished by attacking, colonizing, and seizing the land and other natural resources from that continent (do human beings count as natural resources?), countries like Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya may not have been so desirous of infrastructure investment from an "angel investor" like China. With the "brain drain" that happens when the best and brightest are forced to leave 3rd world nations, they may have felt China, with it's praline offers, was a viable option as a development partner. Before you sarcastically ask "why don't those smart African nationals just move back to their home countries and build them up?", you should know that just getting high grades in Calculus, Sociology, Journalism or Chemistry at university doesn't magically create mines, silicon factories, public transportation, highways and nuclear power plants. Investment and expertise does that. While your comment reveals that you think these leaders' poor decisions in this regard is the result of their kinky hair, wide noses and dark skin, I remind you to reference your own conversations with people in your personal life who don't take a particular interest in Chinese history and politics as you do. Most people don't know anything about China's political history, save for the words, Communism, piracy and Mao. Most of the U.S. commanders knew little about the cultural or political history of Korea while they were stationed there during the Korean War and the politicians back home were no better informed. Elected leaders aren't immune to being too eager to engage a perceived political checkmate or economic opportunity while being under-informed. No matter the color of their skin. And Chris, get this regressive, racist piece of trash off your page. It looks like he believes in some sort of racial hierarchy, referring to Zimbabwe's colonial name as its real name and caring about so much about China's politics, despite not being Chinese, but only for the purpose of soaking in the schadenfreude of the CCP's corruption. I'm sure he places "Asians" higher on his racial ladder than "Africans" but still sees them as inherently inscrutable and sneaky. I want the Chinese people to be free, with some form of democracy. I want their culture to flourish. But we're all human and in this together. Despite our mutual interest in Chinese politics, if this guy feels he can't see me as an equal because I look like the people he thinks deserve to be colonized, then I don't think you want any part of his support. How do you think he sees Shelly?