In one generation, China has taken Africa by storm, going all in on everything from big infrastructure projects, mining and agriculture to the sale of medicine and clothing. At a time when superpower tensions are spiking, the accusations of corruption of African elites and unscrupulous deals that catch nations on the continent in a debt trap are somehow ringing louder. Beijing's defenders counter that despite the debt relief of two decades ago, former colonial powers like France, Britain and Portugal are hardly in any position to criticise. Of course, the truth is more nuanced.