Money drives China’s foreign policy. Strong bilateral relationships, however, require more than investment deals. As China overlooks the importance of culture and community relations in pushing investment projects, our government should seize the opportunity to show that for all of its past faults, the United States offers a far better model of aid and partnership.

In countries throughout Africa and elsewhere, China has poured money into railroads, roads and other infrastructure projects – often will little integration with local communities. Instead, workers, materials, and even restaurants are brought from China, forming isolated communities that spring up to complete the work.