Asian Crossroads in Africa – Lens

Showcase: Asian Crossroads in Africa

The book, “China Safari: On the Trail of Beijing’s Expansion in Africa,” documents the more than 500,000 people from China who have immigrated to Africa.

via Lens Blog: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/showcase-91/

As many as 500,000 Chinese have immigrated to Africa, lured by its oil, copper, uranium, wood and other natural resources. Many have thrived, creating large conglomerates. To serve them, other entrepreneurs have opened palatial restaurants. Or karaoke halls. The infusion of a distinctly different culture into African society — again — is turning out to be a critical chapter in the continent’s post-colonial history.

This is a big story. And it was the toughest story that the photographer Paolo Woods has ever pursued.