Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is in Egypt this weekend for a summit with African leaders.

Resource-thirsty Beijing is expanding its diplomatic and economic influence on the continent.

Wen will have talks with President Hosni Mubarak and Foreign Minister Ahmerd Nazif ahead of the China/Africa Cooperation Forum Meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh.

Since the forum kicked off eight years ago, Chinese companies have been pouring investments into oil and other raw materials.

Wen will have to give an account of China’s ties with Africa – having pledged a hefty increase when the forum last met in 2006.

The meeting is expected to adopt a road map for cooperation until 2012.