He Wenping, an expert on African studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said figuring out how to balance China's influence in Africa may be one of the strategic intentions of Clinton's visit to Africa.

"The White House has stated that China is no threat to the US, and called for closer cooperation to support Africa's development," He wrote in an article.

"But consider Clinton's accusations against China's 'new colonialism' during her visit to Zambia in June last year and her criticism of China's development and investment mode during her tour of China's neighbors in early July."

He wrote that the Obama administration recognizes that the next economic boom may be in Africa and wants to "motivate US enterprises to participate in the African renaissance."

China-Africa trade ballooned to $166.3 billion in 2011, as African exports to China jumped to more than $93 billion.

Chinese direct investment in the continent has exceeded $15 billion, with investment projects covering 50 countries.

In July, President Hu Jintao announced that China will provide $20 billion in loans to help African countries develop infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Accompanying Clinton were a number of US trade representatives. US Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank is expected to arrive in Africa soon, becoming the first US commerce minister to visit the continent.

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