But what is China-Africa‘s relationship really about? It is already evident what the Chinese are getting from Africa. The Chinese economy has an sultry appetite for all the resources of Africa - timber, iron ore, diamonds, copper oil, and other raw materials of interest for China’s industries. Currently China imports more oil from Angola than it does from Saudi Arabia.
The potential of this relationship for African economies and more importantly the people of Africa are still unclear. China imported 38 million tons of crude oil from Africa in 2005, and has made major investments in oil and gas projects in countries like Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Chinese manufacturers continue to traverse the continent in search of new markets.
China has poured billions of dollars in aid and cheap loans for upgrading roads, ports, railways, telephone lines, power stations and other key infrastructure across Africa.
Cases of human rights abuses have arisen from the China-Africa adventure. African workers have protested against ill-treatment and poor pay by Chinese companies, as well as the influx of Chinese workers who take away their jobs. In July, hundreds of African workers at a Chinese-owned Zambian mine rioted over low wages.
With the new African Union headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, completely constructed by Chinese workers and funded entirely by China to a total of $200m (£127m), a very expensive gift to African leaders, I wonder how they can logically evaluate this China-Africa relationship without being biased. So here are my questions on this issue;
- How does China-Africa relationship, effect indigenous African workers?
- How does Africa-China relationship, effect Africa-America business relationship?
- Who benefits the most from this relationship – China or Africa?
- What are African leaders doing to create a win-win strategy with China?
Please feel free to share on thoughts on this issue below; Thoughts By - Miz O
