Ethiopia hosted a celebration of African independence

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office building China, honorary member in the celebration of Africa Day By Groum Abate Ethiopia hosted a celebration of African independence on Friday, with China looking like an honorary member of this struggling continent as the only non-African delegation to attend. Chinese investment in Africa, in terms of business ties, aid and attempts to secure political influence, has soared in recent years in deals to keep Africa's natural resources flowing to China's booming economy. The Chinese delegation's presence at Africa Day was the latest example of increased ties between Africa and China. "The Chinese government cherishes its relationship with the African Union," said Wang Chao, assistant minister of commerce for the Chinese government. China is spending 150 million dollars to expand the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The new premises will stand on the site of an infamous prison where former dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam executed 60 top officials of the late Emperor Haile Selassie. The former Addis Ababa City Government Mayor, Arkebe Oqubay, at a ceremony held in July 2004 had announced a land grant title deed worth 28 million dollars for the AU. Subsequently, the AU had not utilized the plot because of lack of finance. The city cleared the area for the expansion project shortly after it granted the plot. The state penitentiary was among the demolished buildings on the site. The plot would be used to satisfy the office expansion needs of the AU and for the construction of residential houses for the Deputy Chairperson and the eight Commissioners as well as for building chanceries and residences. Construction work on the site was launched last week. The Chinese government is to fully finance the cost of the buildings estimated to be worth around 150 million dollars