In the past 20 years, China has built ever closer bonds with African nations. It has spent billions transforming infrastructure across the continent, and extending its influence into politics and society. It even placed its only overseas military base there. How worried should the West be? 00:00 - China in Africa: should the West be worried? 00:50 - The start of the relationship: transforming Africa’s infrastructure 02:49 - Africa’s diplomatic support for China 03:58 - The cost of Chinese lending 05:00 - China’s military presence in Africa 06:00 - How satirists are combatting China’s influence in Ghana 08:32 - China’s growing role in Africa’s digital infrastructure 11:00 - China’s influence: how the West should respond Read more about China in Africa in our latest special report: https://econ.st/3aby4qE Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest coverage: https://econ.st/3PHrOHG Find our most recent coverage on the Middle East & Africa: https://econ.st/3LpO4T6 How are debt repayment costs rising in African countries?: https://econ.st/3Gmv6vt Zambia wants to be a model for resolving Africa’s debt crises: https://econ.st/3PCF5kN Should the West be concerned about China’s growing military presence?: https://econ.st/3Nzwopl How the West should respond to China’s search for foreign outposts: https://econ.st/3yYhswR How is the digital side of the Belt and Road Initiative growing?: https://econ.st/3GgmK8M Africa’s ties to China and the West are starting to look more alike: https://econ.st/3wLdjLh Turkey is making a big diplomatic and corporate push into Africa: https://econ.st/3GgtnIh France tries to reset policy in Africa: https://econ.st/3MPfNOf