U.S. to counter China, Russia influence in Africa - Bolton

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) greets U.S. national security adviser John Bolton during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia Oct. 23, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations "corrupt" and "predatory."

Washington's No 1. priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protecting the independence of African countries along with U.S. national security interests, he said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation.