China Relations Essay

Since the late 1980s, China has worked to portray itself as a “developing nation” to African nations, using its own personal narrative to appeal to African leaders. And this model appears to be working: between 1989 and 1997, trade between the China and Africa has increased 430%, and in 2006 China became Africa’s third most important trading partner (Tull). But China’s increased engagement in Africa has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts. While some are quick to highlight that China’s engagement in Africa has led to poverty reduction and faster growth on the continent, others portray China’s relationship with Africa as exploitive and one-sided. But as Sino-African relations continue to develop politically, economically, and militarily, it is clear that China-Africa relations are neither entirely equal nor exploitive; rather, it is complex and often times controversial. Over recent years, China’s economic engagement with Africa has attracted many African leaders. Compared to Western-aid, which often comes prepackaged with conditionality, China’s economic strategy, which includes debt-cancellation – over …show more content…
From fancy soccer stadiums to grandiose buildings – including the $200 million AU headquarters in Ethiopia - many exert that China’s infrastructure projects are not always productive and realistic focus for African citizens. Yet even when infrastructure, like roads and railways are built, others argue that China often leaves their projects in the hands of African officials who either don’t have the capacity or interest in maintaining expensive projects. This trend, however, may be changing, as proponents of Chinese involvement in Africa argue that the Chinese government has positively responded to African governments “harder and better informed bargains” including Angola’s requirement to subcontract 30% of infrastructure projects to local firms