- TODAY'S MENU: CHINA v/s "THE WEST" -

1. History:
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CHINA: Was colonised by the west - just like Africa. Also historically oppressed by the Japanese. They understand colonial injustices from the viewpoint of THE OPPRESSED.
v/s
WEST: Expert Colonisers / exterminators. They understand colonial history from viewpoint of THE OPPRESSOR.

2. Prejudice:
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CHINA: They have experienced racism (e.g. from West & Japanese)
v/s
WEST: Invented, developed, perfected, marketed and distributed racism.

3. Scorecard:
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CHINA: Result orientation: Africa's first 5 years of overt relationship with China has resulted in solid tangible results and economic empowerment.
v/s
WEST: Rhetoric orientation (mostly Cunning Lies and deceit)... Over 100 years "relationship" with the West entrenched africans deeper into poverty, dispair and hopelessness.

4. Poverty:
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CHINA: Understand first hand the challenges and evils associated with poverty (many of their citizens are poor).
v/s
WEST: Views poverty as a tool for global influence, manipulation and control (dependency/neo-colonialism).

5. Relationship:
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CHINA: China works with Africa as a partner. So far we have seen mutual respect and dignified approach to relations.
v/s
WEST: The west see Africa as a hopless victim in need of nurturing, guidance and babysitting. Look around you... Africa is treated like a pet by the west (apparently the view is that it cannot live without its master's aid). Self-proclaimed "Africa Experts".

6. Culture & values:
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CHINA: Similarities in cultural / moral values and economic principles(socio-capitalist viewpoints and cultural norms e.g. regarding morality)
v/s
WEST: Freedom of speech and expression is more important than moral and societal values. Individual wealth is more important than societal wealth.

7. Credibility:
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CHINA: Consistent language. High Credibility. Walks the talk.
v/s
WEST: Douplespeak. Propaganda. Double standards (e.g. latest meaning of "democracy"...anyone?). Low credibility.

8. Dependability:
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CHINA: Non-interference principle. Slow to act even when terrible things happen (like genocide). This is very bad. However this is changing after Dafur pressure. Credit goes to the west here though the real intention of the west was to embarass china & put doubt about china/africa relations.
v/s
WEST: "Interference for own benefit" principle. Self appointed "Supreme Moral Judges of Earth". Have been known to secretly cause or encourage violent coups / instability, genocides and human suffering in order to come in and rescue as "moral and riteous heroes". Sometimes they do help those in need (e.g. Haiti) but, given their cunning nature, there's almost always a catch to it.

9. Proof of benefits:
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CHINA: Evidence of impact in Kenya: Thika Road, Mombasa Road, JKIA, Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo stadium etc among others. Common trait in these developments? No forced labor. No oppression. No bloodshed. Relationship has higher benefits to africa in fraction of the time.
v/s
WEST: Evidence of impact in Kenya...? Errm... Ummmm... Wait, let me think... Ummm... Nyayo monument? (built by Aid money I think)... Otherwise we go back to pre 1963 for anything visible... Colonial structures build via forced African labor & African blood. Kenya uganda Railway built by forced African labor and African blood. etc etc. Credit should go to Africans for the work (and the land) anyway...

10. Approach:
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CHINA: Down to earth. Balances external appearances with internal values and realities. A quiet and modest winner in many aspects.
v/s
WEST: Bling Bling! Razzle dazzle! Superhero terren terren! Oteroo! Self proclaimed Leader and Savior of entire world and uber-protector of extra terrestial planets. The external appearances are more important than the internal values or realities. Loud about achievements (real and/or imagined). Will fabricate achievements and erase/rewrite history for convenience.

11. Motives:
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CHINA: Markets itself as an alternative to the west, with alternative ideologies and principles. Neutral about Africa/West relations.
v/s
WEST: Visibly upset by Africa/China relationship and what it means to them in terms of loss of influence /control. They claim, without any credible evidence, that china is out to exploit Africa Resources and that China has hidden evil intentions about Africa (e.g. recolonization / exploitation / control etc). The purported notion that Africa cannot engage wisely with the rest of the world is insulting, prejudicial and condescending at the very least.

Makes you wonder huh...? Words are "windows" to the soul... Is "the west" confessing to the world about their deceptive tactics & true motives? You be the judge.

12. Kung Fu
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CHINA: Invented and perfected Kung Fu
WEST: tries to copy and rebrand but can't even come close.

China v/s West? Who do you perefer to deal with? For me, it's a no brainer.

copyright 2010. Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion as an African based on my observations and experiences with both China and the West to date.