China Builds in Africa, but the Foundations Are Shallow

China has become Africa's largest trade partner and investor. If Zheng He, the early 14th century explorer who commanded seven expeditionary voyages to South Asia and the Middle East, really did make it all the way to East Africa too, he would probably be really proud to see Chinese products being sold on every corner of Africa.

But I'm not sure that if Zheng could return to Africa today that he'd really feel comfortable there. As a journalist over the past five years, I have visited a dozen countries all over Africa. But though our goods are ample there, I do not feel a sense of equality and respect from the African people.