US seeks to counter China, Russia influence in Africa
US national security adviser accuses two nations of using corrupt business practices with little regard for rule of law in dealings on continent
Washington — The US plans to counter the rapidly expanding economic and political influence of China and Russia in Africa, where the two nations use corrupt business practices with little regard for the rule of law, according to prepared remarks on Thursday by US national security adviser John Bolton. The US’s number one priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protect the independence of African countries, as well as US national security interests, he said in the prepared remarks. “Great power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa,” Bolton said. “They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the US." Bolton’s speech at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, comes as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping, leaders of the world’s two lar...
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