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The police are armed with AK rifles, teargas canisters and baton sticks. Water cannons were being driven throughout the suburbs. There were no incidents of violence as of mid-morning. However, says Baxter, there was a surprise presence of Chinese soldiers armed with revolvers in the city.
There are about 10 Chinese soldiers. "We were shocked to see Chinese soldiers in their full military regalia and armed with pistols checking at the hotel," said one worker.
INDIA: Taking on China in Africa
From Apr. 7-9 New Delhi will host heads of government of 12 African nation-states and a similar number of regional economic groupings. Many see this as a modest answer by India to the grand Africa summit that Beijing hosted in 2006.
Among heads of government expected are Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, Joseph Kabila Kabange of Congo, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, John Kufuor of Ghana, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Maitre Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Tertius Zongo of Burkina Faso and Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania.
The release added: "China’s inroads into Africa are well known; India’s approach has been much quieter. The India-Africa Forum meets for the first time…offering a fresh insight into this modern-day scramble for Africa."
Tsvangirai accused of treason as China arms Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's government has ignored a significant call from South Africa to release the result of the presidential elections and has accused the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, of treason by plotting with Britain to overthrow the President, Robert Mugabe.
Themba Maseko, a South African government spokesman, said the situation in Zimbabwe was "dire". Mr Maseko said: "When elections are held and results are not released two weeks after, it is obviously of great concern."
The comments mark a significant shift from South African President Thabo Mbeki's policy towards Mr Mugabe's regime, which has has divided his own party, the ANC, and attracted stinging criticism.
But South Africa confirmed that it will not intervene to stop a shipment of Chinese-made weapons from reaching Zimbabwe, despite fears of a violent crackdown in the country.
A Chinese ship docked in Durban harbour late on Wednesday carrying three million rounds of ammunition for small arms, 3,500 mortar bombs and mortar tubes, as well as 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, according to local media.
Amnesty International Says Chinese Secret Arms Sales Stoke Conflict, Repression
The human rights group Amnesty International is accusing China of carrying out secret arms sales that it says are stoking conflict and repression in Burma, Sudan, Nepal and other nations. Chinese officials promptly denied Amnesty's accusations.
Amnesty says China is fast emerging as one of the world's biggest, most secretive and "irresponsible" arms exporters - selling repressive governments around the globe weapons and equipment used to commit atrocities.
AFRICA: China's great leap into the continent
JOHANNESBURG, 23 Mar 2006 (IRIN) - Providing cheap goods to African consumers is one way China is making inroads into the continent, but on a more fundamental level China is also engaged in a scramble for African resources to feed a roaring economy, expected to overtake Britain's as the fourth largest in the world by the end of 2006.
Across the street is the 'Asia City' shopping complex; down the road is 'Oriental City'; both supply the traders and are stocked with everything from low-priced clothes and shoes to televisions and household appliances - all imported from China.
"I don't know what we would do without the Chinese," said Chinembiri, "Finally, now there are things we can afford."
Under Western pressure for economic or political reform, China offers an alternative source of support. China's aid and investments are attractive to Africans, precisely because they come with no conditionality related to governance, fiscal probity, or the other concerns of Western donors," the US-based Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said in a report released in December 2005.
Zimbabwe's embattled President Robert Mugabe has turned to China for economic aid in a 'Look East' policy, in response to the suspension of financial support by western governments and the IMF.
"Democracy and human rights are common goals of humankind and we don't believe in embargoes - that just means that the people suffer. From a practical consideration, embargoes and sanctions can't solve problems, just like armed invasion cannot solve problems," Guijin commented.
But Mugabe, desperately in need of a financial lifeline, reportedly came away with much less than he had hoped when he visited China in 2005.
"This means that for the Chinese there are limits to their engagements: they are not willing to commit themselves wholesale to a regime that is violating all economic and political rationale. In the end, Zimbabwe can hardly pay for the things China sells them. It is not a good market," suggested Alden.
"China's Zimbabwe presence is not that strong economically; now it is mainly focused on humanitarian assistance," said Guijin. "China is playing a positive and responsible role."