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
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have been following this China Africa debate and its interesting. Yes, we need to look at China closely just like we need to look at any other country closely U.S, Russia, England etc... What is China doing to Africa that the west hasn't been doing for years? The Game's the same, China's just the new player in it. The big difference here is that China is investing in Africa's infrastructure in a way that the World Bank and IMF has not been willing to do. They are investing in necessary projects that previously were just dangled in front of us like a carrot stick. With that being said, the global North has never been looking after Africa's interests. Neither have its western dominated multi-lateral organizations. So at the end of the day,we are looking at 3 evils - China, the Global North and the mufti-laterals and trying to figure out what the next move is in the game -- When first and foremost, instead of focusing on what China's intentions are in Africa or what the Wests intentions are in Africa. Africa needs to decide what Africa's intention is with Africa before it moves forward - what do we want?
Nice Perspective. The game is the same but a new player has just entered the field. Well I agree that unless Africa decides what its intentions are with Africa, then it will never move forward. Since these players are looking to Africa as a one country, We either need to establish our centralized government- The AU; and use it as a cohesive machine to benefit all or Establish a strong regional blocks / Centers with enough power to speak for its regional reps where all parties will benefit from its policies.
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