Some analysts say China's special relationship with African governments enables Chinese enterprises to operate above the law in Africa and exploit local workers.

But haven't all international enterprises in Africa exploited African workers at some point?

CLICK HERE to read IBTimes World reporter Michael Martin's latest feature, and hear what African unionists, workers and economists have to say.

Hu Jintao
China's President Hu Jintao (L) and Angola's President Jose Eduardo dos Santos review an honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing December 17, 2008. REUTERS
Zimbabwes President Mugabe shakes hands with Chinas President Hu in Beijing
Zimbabwe's President Mugabe shakes hands with China's President Hu in Beijing Reuters
China stands behind resource-rich Zimbabwe foreign minister
China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answers a question at a news conference during China's annual session of parliament, the National People's Congress, at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing March 7, 2009. China is ready to work with the United States and other nations at the G20 summit in London next month to tackle the world economic crisis, Yang said on Saturday. REUTERS
To match feature FINANCIAL-AFRICACHINA
A visitor walks past a poster with the map of Africa at the meeting venue for the annual meeting of the Africa Development bank in Shanghai Reuters
Bashir in China
Chinese President Hu and Sudan's President al-Bashir attend signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Reuters
China China China