Last updated: 24 august, 2009 - 07:00 GMT

Liberia China

Media Player

To play this content JavaScript must be turned on and the latest Flash player installed.

Latest Flash player available here

Play in either Real OR Windows Media players

How does China deal with Africa?

To simplify things, most people say that Western countries tend to give aid to Africa, whereas China has decided to trade with the continent.

Is that a deliberate policy decision?

How does China see its role in Africa?

Is the relationship of mutual benefit to the two parties?

And can China really help Africa to develop?

Zhou Yuxiao is China's ambassador in Liberia.

The BBC's Mark Doyle caught up with him in the brand new Chinese embassy in Monrovia.

So why trade rather than aid?

Most Popular Now

  1. Iran and the West: After 9/11

BBC © 2014The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.