China to double its aid to Africa

China has pledged to double its aid to Africa and provide $5bn in loans and credits over the next three years.

Chinese President Hu Jintao made the announcement as he opened a summit in Beijing attended by nearly 50 African heads of state and ministers.

The summit is focusing on business with more than 2,000 deals under discussion.

African leaders welcome their booming trade links with China, but critics accuse Beijing of dealing with repressive regimes.

Beijing says it is just doing business and has no political agenda.

'Historic'

"Our meeting today will go down in history," Mr Hu told the China-Africa summit. >>>cont

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