Sure, the roads and railways are not built with the explicit intention to help locals but it's hard to imagine that they're not helping anyways (e.g. you did drive on that highway after all). Also, it's not like those countries are just handing out their resources for free.
By the way, where in West Africa are you? I'm asking because the perception of China in West African countries is among the highest in the world, with only 10-20% unfavorable view, compared to 45-70% in Europe and North America [0].
Is it possible that you are projecting your own perception of China? Is it possible that your perception is influenced by Western media?
By the way, where in West Africa are you? I'm asking because the perception of China in West African countries is among the highest in the world, with only 10-20% unfavorable view, compared to 45-70% in Europe and North America [0].
Is it possible that you are projecting your own perception of China? Is it possible that your perception is influenced by Western media?
Color me skeptical...
[0] http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/07/14/chapter-2-chinas-image/