Many people are likely to assume that the current tensions between the US and China are firmly centred in Asia - with Taiwan, North Korea or Central Asia as the likely area for any future conflict. But another less-headline-grabbing continent is starting to dominate Sino-American rivalries: Africa. Echoing the struggle between European colonial powers over African territory and resources in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there is once again a 'scramble for Africa'.
Last week, US President George W. Bush embarked on a multistate African tour, a very visible sign of America's growing recognition of the strategic and economic importance of the continent, and its determination to catch up with China.
China's investment in Africa in the past few years has been little short of remarkable. China-Africa trade has increased tenfold from 1999 to 2006, to US$55.5 billion, according to the most recent official Chinese figures. China also satisfies just short of one-third of its oil needs from Africa.
The US has been slower to embrace Africa and is now playing catch-up. Yet Mr Bush was last week at pains to play down Sino-American rivalries on the continent, assuring local leaders and the media that America's intentions are honourable.
In Ghana, Mr Bush said he wanted to 'dispel the notion that, all of a sudden, America is bringing all kinds of military to Africa ... our policy is aimed at helping people'.
He insisted that China was not the reason for his trip to the continent. 'We can pursue agendas without creating a sense of competition,' he said.
Despite these pronouncements, the Chinese march into Africa has seriously focused US minds, and is undoubtedly towards the forefront of US policy priorities on the continent.
