Post by peterd on Oct 21, 2006 14:05:14 GMT -8
October 21, 2006: China is donating a million dollars worth of construction equipment to the Zimbabwe army. The equipment will be used by army engineers to build housing and training facilities for troops. Mismanagement by the current government has largely destroyed the economy, and about a third of the population has fled their homes, often to neighboring countries, in search of food. By donating non-combat equipment, China wins favor with the current government, and no enmity from those who will run the next government. It's a clever use of foreign aid.