Author: Drew Thompson.

China's deepening integration into the global economy and emergence as an economic power has seen its influence expand in Africa, reshaping political and economic relationships on the continent and heightening concern in the United States that China's rise could challenge the U.S.' traditional economic and security interests in the region. China has a long history of political links in Africa, but the relatively recent growth of China's economic and security links in the region pose both challenges and opportunities that will require complex and sensitive diplomatic efforts to ensure that the interests of China, the United States, the European Union and African nations are all protected, and that a regional and global environment that promotes stability and economic growth is fostered.