China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, has begun his annual New Year tour of Africa, highlighting China's consistent commitment to the continent. As Europe's presence in Africa wanes and America's attention wavers, China is increasing its influence across the resource-rich continent. Wang's visit comes as China ramps up its financial support for Africa and looks to strike critical minerals deals and find markets for its exports. China sees Africa as a source of vitality and development potential, in contrast to the approaches of the US, UK, and EU. China's presence in Africa is seen as controversial by Western powers, but African perspectives differ.