Quid Pro Quo? China's Investment-for-Resource Swaps in Africa

China has been criticized for using ‘no strings attached’ investment and aid packages to secure access to natural resources in Africa. Are these concerns legitimate or simply defensive reactions as China's rising influence in Africa challenges western hegemony? Examples of investment-for-resources swaps in four countries are examined, and the authors find that nature and relative development benefits of such deals cannot be generalized. Development (2007) 50, 63–68. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1100403