China's influence can be increasingly seen across Africa. Chinese direct investment in the continent has leapt from less than $500m to more than $9bn (£5.6bn) in the last six years.

This might rise, as China's foreign minister begins a five-nation African tour. The money is being seen in projects such as this hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital, Kinshasa, which is due to open this year...

The Chinese state-owned company Sinohydro began construction in May 2009 as part of a $6bn deal whereby China provides infrastructure in exchange for mining rights. Officials say the-state-of-the-art medical centre will accommodate 450 beds and cost $99m.

Sinohydro also built the square and extended the wide boulevard outside Kinshasa’s parliament, saying its workers toiled day and night to complete the $20m project for the 50th anniversary of independence parade on 30 June 2010.

Across the continent, Malawi's Chinese-built parliament was inaugurated last year. Chinese labourers were brought in, upsetting locals hoping to benefit from jobs. A 200km (125-mile) road, connecting remote border areas, is under construction.

Chinese firms Wu Yi and Shengli are building what has been billed as Kenya's first superhighway at a cost of $330m. Financing comes from the African Development Bank. On completion later this year, it will also be a crucial link to Ethiopia and Somalia.

A 50km stretch of the road, one of the busiest in East Africa, from Nairobi to Thika, is being expanded from the current four lanes to eight. It will also include a roundabout, footpaths, overpasses and underpasses and exit and acceleration lanes.

In Nigeria's main city, Lagos, renowned for its congestion, several flyovers and bridges have been built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which says over the last 30 years it has employed more than 20,000 local workers.

Chinese figures show China ranks as Africa's second largest trading partner after the 27-nation European Union. It is also interested in the continent's oil - in Niger, a national headquarters for China's uranium and oil mining companies is being built.