China's "new foray" into Africa is attracting wide international attention and contentious debate. China is seemingly engaging Africa on new terms – terms that are not shaped by traditional powers or perhaps not even by Africans themselves. The Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University embarked on this research project, supported by the Department for International Development UK (DFID), to gather information and gain insight into China's aid policies vis-à-vis Africa. The research is intended to inform both Chinese and traditional donor efforts toward the continent.