China's growing 'empire' on the African continent

Howard W. Friend asks some good questions about China's presence and influence in African countries:

China’s burgeoning partnership with Africa raises several momentous questions: Is a hands-off approach to governmental affairs the right one? Can Chinese money and ambition succeed where Western engagement has manifestly failed? Or will China become the latest in a series of colonial and neocolonial powers in Africa, destined like the others to leave its own legacy of bitterness and disappointment?

The answers to those questions doesn't depend on China, which like all the former Colonial powers and powerful countries, is on the African continent because of its national interests not to help African countries develop themselves. The answers depend as always on the politicians and other leaders of African who too often fall in love with powerlessness to dare to dream of different future than their present realities and unfortunate pasts.