Comments by "Paul Aiello" (@paul1979uk2000) on "" video.

  1. The problem is for China, buying political clout around the world only goes so far, what the people in those countries really want is a better quality of living and more wealth, the west is in a much better position to deliver that if those countries emulate what the western countries have done to become wealthy, in other words, become more open, China on the other hand wants satellite states to basically do it's bidding around the world and even thought that might work in the short term, longer term it's not likely going to amount to much. The EU could be by far in the best position here, they know how to develop countries, we see that as it expands and brings in poorer countries into the EU and develops them, something along those lines could work in Africa, that's not something China would want to do because it makes those African countries more powerful with the political clout and wealth that comes with it, whereas the EU might want to do that because it stands to benefit in a more stable Africa and trade, being as Europe and Africa are so close, both parties will benefit the most when it comes to trade. That for me is the key from China creating debt traps for African countries, the west should help to develop the African continent in countries that are willing and open enough to be developed, Africa as a continent has a lot of potential if shown how to develop, the EU are in a good position to help on that if they are willing and the EU is in the position that would benefit the most from it with trade, it's a win win for both sides. Now I suppose it really depends on whom the Africans trust the most, the EU, west or China which could have a big impact on how their future is shaped and personally, I think longer term, the debt trap diplomacy that China is doing could backfire on China as African countries become more hostile against China, maybe that's the lesson needed to learn for them but it is unfortunate for the people, so really, it really boils down to whom the African countries trust the most.
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