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China's leader begins Africa tour China's leader begins Africa tour
(1 day later)
China's President Hu Jintao has arrived in Cameroon at the start of a 12-day tour of Africa, aimed at strengthening economic and political ties. China's President Hu Jintao is in Cameroon at the start of a 12-day tour of Africa, aimed at strengthening economic and political ties.
President Hu was met at the airport in the capital, Yaounde, by Cameroon's Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni. Mr Hu met Cameroonian counterpart Paul Biya and signed a series of bilateral co-operation agreements.
Trade has expanded dramatically between Africa and China in recent years as China seeks resources to feed its economy and markets for its exports.Trade has expanded dramatically between Africa and China in recent years as China seeks resources to feed its economy and markets for its exports.
It is Mr Hu's third trip to Africa since he took office in 2003.It is Mr Hu's third trip to Africa since he took office in 2003.
The Chinese leader is due to meet his Cameroonian counterpart Paul Biya on Wednesday to sign a series of bilateral co-operation agreements. He is expected to inspect projects already carried out by his country in Cameroon, visiting a sports ground being built by a Chinese firm and a hospital funded by China.
HAVE YOUR SAY If China wants to establish credibility, it has to use its influence to stop the slaughter in Darfur David Little, Belgium Send us your comments
He is then expected to inspect projects already carried out by his country in Cameroon, visiting a sports ground being built by a Chinese firm and a hospital funded by China.
Trade between the two countries doubled in 2006 from the previous year, reaching $338m (£172m), according to China's ambassador to Yaounde.Trade between the two countries doubled in 2006 from the previous year, reaching $338m (£172m), according to China's ambassador to Yaounde.
Big oil customerBig oil customer
Before he left, China announced $3bn (£1.5bn) in preferential loans and more aid over the next three years for Africa.Before he left, China announced $3bn (£1.5bn) in preferential loans and more aid over the next three years for Africa.
HAVE YOUR SAY If China wants to establish credibility, it has to use its influence to stop the slaughter in Darfur David Little, Belgium Send us your comments
Africa supplies one-third of China's imported oil.Africa supplies one-third of China's imported oil.
China has been urged to use its influence as a big oil customer of Sudan's to lobby the government in Khartoum to resolve the conflict in Darfur.China has been urged to use its influence as a big oil customer of Sudan's to lobby the government in Khartoum to resolve the conflict in Darfur.
Beijing has been criticised for selling weapons to countries like Zimbabwe and flooding Africa with cheap goods that threaten local industries.Beijing has been criticised for selling weapons to countries like Zimbabwe and flooding Africa with cheap goods that threaten local industries.
Mr Hu's tour will also take him to Liberia, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique and Seychelles.Mr Hu's tour will also take him to Liberia, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique and Seychelles.