African Union opens Chinese-funded HQ in Ethiopia
[image: The new African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa]The building in
Addis is seen as a symbol of China's new role in Africa
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The African Union has inaugurated its newly built headquarters in the
Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The entire $200m (£127m) project was funded by China as a gift to the AU,
as Beijing continues to strengthen its influence in Africa.

In front of African leaders a huge golden key was handed over and the 100m
high building was officially opened.

The tower overlooks a vast conference centre where African heads of state
are expected to meet for years to come.

Their first AU summit in the building will take place on Sunday.

China's most senior political adviser, Jia Qinglin, attended the opening of
the new headquarters.

"The towering complex speaks volumes about our friendship to the African
people, and testifies to our strong resolve to support African
development," he said, according to AFP.

The AU chairman, Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, said
the complex was "a reflection of the new Africa," the agency reports.

The new AU building dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa and is the city's
tallest building.

Most of the materials used were imported from China and even the
furnishings were paid for by Beijing, AFP news agency reports.

Construction began in January 2009 and involved 1,200 Chinese and Ethiopian
workers.

The project co-ordinator, Fantalum Michael, says the new building signifies
China's growing friendship with Africa.

"It's a testimony that this relationship will continue in the future," he
told AFP.
Thriving relationship

Trade between China and Africa has increased more than six-fold during the
past decade to $120bn (£76bn) in 2011.

China is interested in Africa's natural resources and in return is
investing huge sums in African infrastructure.

Roads are being built by Chinese firms at a staggering rate, says the BBC's
Will Ross in Addis Ababa.

While other rich nations impose conditions before aid is given, China's
relationship with African countries is strictly a business one, he says.

Human rights groups have criticised China for undermining efforts by
western countries to link aid to improvements in governance.

However African leaders have welcomed the Chinese approach and have
embraced investment from Beijing.

In Ethiopia, many jobs have been created through Chinese-funded projects.

Chinese cars are being made in Ethiopian factories and China is also
building a light railway across Addis Ababa.

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