China-funded headquarters of the Africa CDC breaks ground in Addis Ababa. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/14/c_139589277.htm

The Trump administration has objected to China building the headquarters with one official telling the FT: "It’s a threat to Africa. Africa has vast amounts of genomic data and the Chinese want to build the CDC to eventually steal the data..." https://www.ft.com/content/cef96328-475a-11ea-aeb3-955839e06441

Considering the claims of spying leveled at Huawei after the construction of the AU headquarters (even though both Huawei and the AU were at pains to put the incident behind them), there is merit to US fears, especially if there will be US collaboration with @AfricaCDC

The problem, as it has been with the debt issue and other criticism of Chinese activities in Africa, is this policy that urges Africans to reject the proverbial "bird in hand" in exchange for nothing. How exactly would the @AfricaCDC justify turning away $80 million for nothing

It is true that, on balance, Sino-Africa cooperation in public health lags the scale and reach of US support to the African health sector (close to $1 billion) over the last 15 years including providing $14 million for @AfricaCDC's first year of operation

But herein lies the problem, Africa welcomes all partners. There is more than enough room for traditional, emerging & aspiring partners. It would seem fair then, that the partner demanding maximal outcomes, like in this case, must back those demands with equivalent resources. END