Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang told the African Union that Beijing's new leaders want greater cooperation on trade and closer consultation on international affairs with the growth of Africa's influence abroad.Ethiopian Prime Minister and African Union Chairman Hailemariam Desalegn says China is a reliable partner for Africa."It is encouraging to note that some of our friends and partners have given priority to infrastructure development in Africa in terms of their strategy partnership with our continent," he said."In this regard I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to China for investing billions to assist us in our development endeavors.Without mentioning China by name, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he is concerned some countries are not as transparent in Africa as the United States and that could undermine democracy.But he admits U.S. investment here is falling behind.Center for Strategic and International Studies Africa director Jennifer Cooke says budget cuts mean the Obama administration has to do more with less in Africa.
