WASHINGTON, 28 April, 2021 (TON): On Tuesday, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned Africa to beware of China's growing role as he vowed a greater U.S. commitment in talks with Nigeria and Kenya.

The top U.S. diplomat was holding talks with the two nations' leaders and "touring" sites including a U.S.-funded mobile hospital and renewable energy project.

The virtual meeting was in response to the Chinese foreign minister's five-nation visit of Africa at the start of the year. Wang Yi visited Nigeria, the DRC, Tanzania, Botswana, and Seychelles.

Responding to questions from young Africans who have studied in the United States, Blinken said he hoped that African nations approach all their relationships with your eyes wide open.

Blinken said, "We're not asking anyone to choose between the United States or China, but I would encourage you to ask those tough questions, to dig beneath the surface, to demand transparency and to make informed choices about what is best for you and your countries.”

However, the United States has increasingly had a competitive relationship with China, which has ramped up investment in Africa with a focus on natural resources and without any of the Western pretenses of advancing democratic values.