WORLD NEWS DECEMBER 13, 2018 / 9:34 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

U.S. to counter China, Russia influence in Africa: Bolton

Steve Holland
3 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding economic and political influence of China and Russia in Africa, where the two nations use corrupt business practices with little regard for the rule of law, according to prepared remarks on Thursday by U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.

The United States’ No 1. priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protect the independence of African countries, as well as U.S. national security interests, he said in the prepared remarks.

“Great power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa,” Bolton said.

“They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States.”

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