So apparently there is no progress in human affairs? We should forget about modern notions of human rights and democracy because these notions were not so well developed in the past?
China apologists will always hop on the specious argument of past Western evils. The same argument is used regarding environmental damage in China. The fact that Western countries did evil things in the past is irrelevant to what is acceptable in today's reality. In 19th century Europe, it was a perfectly acceptable notion that Africans were inferior and so should be "assisted" via colonialism. Happily, this attitude has evolved over the past century to a modern understanding of ethnicity and the benefits of human rights and democracy that is pretty universally embraced in all free societies throughout the world (not just the West). Despite their many limitations Western organizations such as the IMF and World Bank as well as various charities have striven to tie aid to good governance, a seemingly pretty sensible approach. For China to encourage and support kleptocracies today, given Africa's history over the past 50 post-colonial years is unforgivable.

So it's correct to starve and neglect people simply because we consider their government bad. It's their fault anyways, they're a bunch of ignorant pigs who are too cowardly to overthrow their oppressors.

ShaMao'r: agreed.

talk of "hypocrisy" is an invitation to a downward comparison, a race to the bottom. the "credibility" of the west as critical onlooker has very little to do with the substance of the west's critique.

china is bargain-hunting in africa for fossil fuels, mineral deposits, and development projects which require chinese labor (skilled and manual). nothing more and nothing less.

they think they need africa; the west thinks it doesn't.

why is this not hypocrisy? It seems to be the West don't really really care... Know what I mean?

At least the Chinese straight up tell you it's business, instead of wrapping it up in some bullshit.

The west always talk the talk but they don't walk the walk.

The reality is what it is because of the past...

Is accusing someone of hypocrisy if they criticise someone even though their country has also done bad things in the past really conducive of constructive debate?

And when will we stop talking about that mythical place "the West".

One observer noted, “So apparently there is no progress in human affairs?” Which of the humans, you are referring to? The Black human?

Which aspects of the modern notions of human rights and democracy you suggest we do not forget as African?

You said, "Because these notions were not so well developed in the past" Are they developed now?

You stated that China apologists will always hop on the specious argument of past Western evils. Name the present Western good. By the way of you think, in a convenient compartment, I can predict your answer.

Again you said, "The same argument is used regarding environmental damage in China" and "The fact that Western countries did evil things in the past is irrelevant to what is acceptable in today's reality" I wish I had the opportunity to watch your face as you write these words.

The West does not have an inch of moral ground on which to stand on all points or the issues you raised. The greatest insecurity the World face at this moment is the mindset of people like you - a one-dimensional minded thinker.

You go on thinking that what you are saying really maters, increasingly more people now know better.

All I'm saying is stop looking down on others from your high chair.

I'll be the first one to admit that China is messed up, and will continue to be messed up in the future. The West, i.e U.S.A, E.U, etc is superior in many ways.

But at the same time don't be blinded by the trickeries and bullshit lies of the American government. Because U.S.A looks out for #1...

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Another thing. People in the U.S are kind and nice people. But sometimes you they do tend to look down on others.

Especially when you mix in religion.

[joined multiple posts - JM]

What country do you come from Usman?
"The West does not have an inch of moral ground on which to stand on all points or the issues you raised."
So people born in, say, Irealand, which never colonized another country and was itself colonized by a superpower, still cannot utter a single word on African issues? -Even if they happen to have studied them for many years?

Ridiculous. I will not address Usman as he clearly did not understand the points.

Of course countries act mainly to their own advantage, that has always been and likely always will be reality.

But with that said, there are certain notions that have become accepted by most over the past few decades not only in the US and Europe but in just about any free society in the world. One of these would be that kleptocracies are bad. Governments that are run by a tiny elite who sell that country's resources and put the profit in their own offshore bank accounts are not ones that should be supported if possible.

Yes, the US and other governments do support such regimes as a geo-political necessity at times, but at least international finance and aid organizations have made great strides to tie aid to good governance.

The attitude and actions of China in Africa is greatly undermining these efforts. The history of colonialism or any other historical consideration is really irrelevant to this fact.

Hmmm U.S support these types of governments all over the world... Pakistan?