The United States has warned Africa to be wary of China’s growing role in the continent especially as it relates to dishing loans.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave the warning on Tuesday while responding to questions from young Africans who have studied in the United States.

Blinken made his first virtual visit to Africa where he met with the presidents of Nigeria and Kenya.

Tuesday’s tour also included a meeting with African youth from across the continent.

Blinken said he hoped that African nations approach all their relationships “with your eyes wide open.”

According to him “We’re not asking anyone to choose between the United States or China, but I would encourage you to ask those tough questions, to dig beneath the surface, to demand transparency and to make informed choices about what is best for you and your countries,” Blinken said.

The United States has increasingly had a competitive relationship with China, which has ramped up investment in Africa with a focus on natural resources and without any of the Western pretences of advancing democratic values.

Blinken pointed to concerns that a number of nations have been saddled with unsustainable debts after taking Chinese loans, with Zambia last year defaulting.

“You should be looking hard at whether when other countries come in to build a big infrastructure project, are they bringing their own workers with them or are they giving jobs to people in the country where they’re making investments?” Blinken asked.