China's new president told Africans on Monday he wanted a relationship of equals that would help the continent develop, responding to concerns that Beijing is only interested in shipping out its raw materials. On the first stop of his African tour,  Xi Jinping told Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete that China's involvement in Africa would help the continent grow richer. Xi said in a speech laying out China's policy on Africa that China sincerely hopes to see faster development in African countries and a better life for African people.  Renewing an offer of 20 billion USD in loans to Africa between 2013 and 2015, Xi pledged to "help African countries turn resource endowment into development strength and achieve independent and sustainable development". Africans broadly see China as a healthy counterbalance to Western influence but, as ties mature, there are growing calls from policymakers and economists for a more balanced trade deal.