The Deputy US Trade Representative has downplayed the threat of China to American commercial interests in Ghana. The last few years has seen an increase in Chinese influence politically and economically here in Ghana and Africa as a whole as they enter into strategic partnerships that would guarantee them access to natural resources. Analysts say China's growing influence is at the expense of the US. But Demetrios Marantis who ended a recent visit to Ghana last week disagrees. He said China’s participation in Ghana was positive even for the US in that, China invests in infrastructural development in the country and that bolster Ghana’s ability to export to the US. Good infrastructure can only improve Ghana’s export potential, he stated. China, according to recent figures is giving out more money to Africa than the World Bank and President Mills also recently brokered a multi-billion dollar loan deal with the Chinese government which many believe is in return for Ghana's crude oil. Meanwhile Joy Business has learnt a number of the country’s development partners were riled recently when during the President’s state of the nation address, he made mention of the Chinese and none other despite the various forms of assistance extended to the country. Source: Joy News/Ghana