Tillerson addresses Chinese 'threat'

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has warned African countries to be wary of the Chinese Government and its loan facilities. Addressing a media conference in Addis Ababa, Tillerson said China 'encouraged dependency, utilised corrupt deals and endangered Africa's natural resources'. The Premium Times reports that the former Exxon CEO is seeking to bolster economic and security alliances on a continent increasingly turning to China for aid and trade. The diplomat is also believed to be seeking smooth relations with African countries after President Donald Trump ridiculed some African nations. The Chinese Government has pumped billions into infrastructure projects across the continent, although critics say there is often little gains for local economies because Chinese firms and nationals build the projects.