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South African President Jacob Zuma (C) holds talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao following a welcoming ceremony in Beijing on 18 July, 2012. (Diego Azubel/AFP/Getty Images)
South African Prime Minister Jacob Zuma sent a warning that Africa’s trade ties with China are not viable in the long term.
China on Thursday said it would pledge $20 billion in credit to Africa over the next three years, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“Africa’s commitment to China’s development has been demonstrated by supply of raw materials, other products, and technology transfer,” Zuma said while speaking in Beijing on Thursday, according to the Financial Times.
“This trade pattern is unsustainable in the long term. Africa’s past economic experience with Europe dictates a need to be cautious when entering into partnerships with other economies.”
Chinese firms have been criticized for labor and environmental practices in Africa. In one instance in 2010, security personnel at a Chinese mining company shot a dozen miners in Zambia.
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