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China in Africa

We warned that Richard Behar's groundbreaking article on China's resource grab in Africa in the June issue was the longest piece this magazine has ever published, so we were happy to hear from so many readers who made it all the way through -- and agreed that the investment paid off. Some focused on the Chinese "building and bribing their way through the jungles of Africa"; others noted the complicity of Western governments, companies, and consumers and worried about the ecological and social costs of items in their homes. The story has already been cited in congressional testimony, and CNN has called it "one of the most important magazine articles in years."

Global War for Resources

I have been reading Fast Company for how long? Ten years? I don't even know. But I do know this: The China-Africa article is perhaps the best I've read in your magazine ever. Who says serious journalism is dead? Bravo!

Jeremy Epstein
Silver Spring, Maryland

I found Richard Behar's article so alarming that I kept reading to the end. As Americans, we must not put up with immoral behavior from others, simply because they are willing to provide us with cheap goods. It is our American moral values that have led to our sustained economic success.

Chad Abney
Lake Jackson, Texas

"China Invades Africa" is the most thought-provoking piece I have read since [Thomas] Friedman's The World Is Flat. While in Paris recently, I had the opportunity to experience the opulence of the Palace of Versailles. Behar's article makes me wonder if the current U.S. economic dominance may go the way of the cultural dominance of France. Are we so engrossed with our success that we have become oblivious to Africa and China as we shop at Wal-Mart or Target for our discount items? Maybe in 200 years, the Chinese tourists will be visiting our empty palaces of industrialization and marveling at what they once were.

David Dahl
Plymouth, Minnesota

The article clearly describes the new colonialism. The sad thing is the quote by the head of Mozambique's Forest Department: "To understand others, you have to understand you, America. If you stop buying Chinese products made from our wood, then we can conserve our timber more. You will make a difference. We are all part of the problem." So the Africans are corrupt, the Chinese are exploiting them, and we Americans are to blame. There is one constant in this new world of ours: America is going to be blamed for everything.

Bruce A. Hurwitz
Cliffside Park, New Jersey

As a son of Africa and an immigrant from Eritrea, I must commend you on being one of the few major publications to write about Africa. I know there is a lot wrong with the continent, but I feel Behar has it all wrong. I understand fearmongering sells print, with the historical images of China and its perceived ruthless trade policies going back to the Treaty of Tianjin and the Opium Wars of the 1800s. The truth is much simpler but not as romantic or politically correct. The problems of Africa boil down to the lack of accountability of Africans toward themselves, which creates an atmosphere that tolerates corruption and ultimately the lack of respect toward the lives of fellow Africans.

Seyoum B. Michael
Silver Spring, Maryland

A lot of emotions ran through my mind and heart while I read your article about Africa, but mostly sadness. I am a veteran who served in Asmara, Eritrea, when it was part of Ethiopia in the late 1960s and witnessed firsthand our outrageous behavior in that beautiful country. You wonder why we always seem to support the wrong folks. Why, indeed?

J.J. Ford
Spokane, Washington

I did not pick up the June edition till almost 11 p.m. Needless to say, I was quite late getting to bed, as I turned to "China Invades Africa" and could not put it down. Not only do you expose China's very questionable tactics, you also underscore that we Americans have not been much better in the past. Perhaps, I should say "in the present," with the "boys" from Equatorial Guinea being welcome buddies to the Washington crowd. It seems that if we need a commodity, poverty and freedom of speech are swept aside as not our problems.

Barry Whitworth
Roseburg, Oregon

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