Comments by "Doncarlo" (@doujinflip) on "China's Rush Into Africa, Explained." video.

  1. Yes, it's been dubbed "The Thing", using the then novel technology we now call RFID, and was accidentally discovered by the British listening post at their embassy in Moscow. It now sits at the National Crypto Museum next to NSA headquarters in Maryland.
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  2. A lot of US aid involves education and low visibility local projects (new wells, community centers, etc), not something flashy that national politicians can tout to maintain their rule. The American strategy is more developing simmering support and desire for the US among the populace that can be tapped into later even if relations sour in higher level politics.
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  3. Taiwan and Mainland China have the same claims (including the expanded "stolen" lands that ought to be "returned") due to the One China policy. But from the Taiwanese side it is just a formality at this point, as their citizens increasingly abandon the notion of reuniting with the Mainland, even to the point of rejecting being called "Chinese".
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  4. All countries do this to some extent, if there is a more vulnerable country to send aid to and gain influence with. Egypt, Indonesia, and Pakistan come to mind.
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