From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

Is China becoming the next colonial power in Africa?

I'm Lawrence O'Donnell, sitting in for Warren Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio

International, a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

While Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of Africa, the Pentagon announces the

formation of a new command structure focusing on Africa.

Should the U.S. be worried about China's influence in Africa?

Today, on To the Point, is China trying to become the new colonial power on the continent

or just a helpful partner in economic development? What are the benefits and what are the dangers

of China's growing influence in the region.

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio

International Program Fund, whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John

D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

I'm Lawrence O'Donnell, sitting in for Warren Allney, back with To the Point from PRI.

Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent?

Does China's increasing economic attention to Africa pose a threat

to U.S. interests in the region? Coming up, we will talk about the Chinese approach to investment

in Africa, human rights in Africa, economic development, and what the Pentagon has to worry about

in China's growing influence in Africa.

First, this news update.

An Iraqi health ministry official was arrested in a raid today on charges of supporting Shiite militias.

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