China's Ambassador to Congo-Kinshasa
The posting of Wu Zexian, one of Beijing's most experienced
Francophone diplomats, to Kinshasa in March 2007 shows the seriousness
of China's Africa strategy. Initially, it looked like a surprising
detour for Wu, who after 30 years in the diplomatic service had
been appointed Director General of the Department of European
Affairs in Beijing. Things became clearer by January 2008, when
China Exim Bank signed a massive minerals countertrade deal with
President Joseph Kabila for US$5 billion (later raised
to $9 bn., AAC Vol 2 No 1)....
(This article contains approximately 328 words)
