In 1971, the PRC took the United Nations seat. The PRC's foreign aid levels declined during the first few years of its reform period. TanZam railway was one case. Of the some 30 countries that recognize Taiwan, roughly a third are in Africa. In 1990, Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen began a tradition of visiting a group of African countries early in the New Year.
Visits come with aid promises.
President Jiang Zemin visited Africa in 1996. Vice Premier Hu Jintao carried out the now traditional visit in January 1999, stopping in four African countries. On a per capita basis, China is as poor or poorer than many of the countries to whom it gives aid.