Magnet of Needs Pulls China to Africa

Africa looms large on the radar screens of China's high and mighty. Chinese President Hu Jintao was there in April. Premier Wen Jiabao did a seven-country swing in June, and Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing have made trips this year as well. Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania are frequent stops for all manner of Chinese pols and ministry officials. In early November, close to 50 African heads of state will descend on Beijing for a first-ever China-Africa summit.