read in the past its in the billions altogether.

I am for foreign aid but better friendship is made when China herself participate in that country's developement with close scrutiny to assure the success that way not only a foothold can be gained within that country also the investment can get returned.

A good example is N Korea who just want financial support but refuses Beijing's advise on the process of economic developement.  Another good example is the agreement with Mexico to develope their hi-speed railway and just like with other Latin America countries, after investment has been made, project got cancelled. Beijing has a hard time try to get Mexico to give account the debt owned to Chinese companies.