...The Forum on China Africa Cooperation, or FOCAC for short, is an official forum between Communist China and African states. This forum is very important in as far as china Africa relations are concerned because of a host of reasons. The major reason is that both China and Africa stand to benefit economically from this relationship, as China gets raw materials from the continent, in return largely for concessionary loans and assistance in rehabilitation or construction of infrastructure of various magnitudes. Another area where the importance of FOCAC is seen is China’s political support for the ruling elite in Africa, and diplomatic support for regimes usually under pressure at forums like the United Nations, as in the case of Zimbabwe and other countries accused of various shortcomings. It is clear from this therefore that relations between China and Africa are those of feeding off each other, or principally a relationship of friends in need of each other. However, as shall be seen in this essay, there are also various problems that arise with this FOCAC, not least of which are accusations that China turns a blind eye to human rights violations in Africa as long as it benefits. For the purposes of analysing the issue of relations between Africa and China, the conceptual framework of interdependence shall be pursued. This theory argues that countries relate to each other because there is dependence on each other for various strengths. For instance, China needs African resources...
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...INTRODUCTION The historical relationship with African countries is fundamentally different for traditional and new donors, or Western donors and China. In contrast to Western donors, China never had a presence as a colonizer in Africa. To the contrary, China played the role of a supporter in the struggle for independence of African countries. This is highlighted by a lot of Africans, particularly in response to Western criticism of China. Some Africans feel that the reactions from the West arise because Westerners fear competition from China. Consequently Western objections to China’s way of dealing with Africa, is not perceived as a result of concern for African countries, but a protection of Western political and economic interests on the African continent. The Chinese emphasize that their engagement with Africa is in fact South-South cooperation, and that it should be beneficial to both China and Africa. Rather than emphasizing its role as a donor to African countries, China considers its engagement to be a mutual benefit, leading to win-win results. Chinese aid is mainly invested in infrastructure such as roads, railways, buildings, monuments etc. This is generally very welcomed in African countries where infrastructure is often seriously underdeveloped. Many of the infrastructure projects are implemented to facilitate trade. Although all of the countries in cooperation with China are receiving some sort of aid, the size and form of the aid inflows vary. China does not disclose how...
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...the recent years China has been seen as a major competition in the international economic market. It has been replacing many western states as the top trading and investment partner in many African states, and for decades it has been one of Africa’s best friends, helping in the decolonization process and building key infrastructure projects on the continent. China has been providing many African governments with cheap loans in exchange for securing their means of accumulating natural resources based on the principle of non-intervention and respect for sovereignty, which gives no strings attached. For more than a decade, diplomatic relations between China and South Africa have been marked a great growing relationship between both states. From a period of no official ties to limited interaction between the South African and Chinese Governments, the relationship has subsequently developed to become one of the closest between African and Asian states. Growing economic engagement, which underpins the warm ties between the two states, has put South Africa amongst China’s top three trading partners on the continent. Moreover, China is an emerging market economy; with a fast track of being the next economic rising superpower in the world and its current relations between it and Africa continue to grow fast with foreign direct investment increasing thirty-fold between 2003 and 2011, from US$491m to US$14.7 billion. In 2012, China pledged US$20 billion of loans to Africa over three years...
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...Relationship Between China And Africa Assignment Submitted For the International Management Module at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School Prepared By Ayankoya Kayode A Foli, Edem Mpongoshe, Lukhanyiso Hurrisunker, Sanisha Maqina, Chumani Introduction This assignment examines the strategic relationship between China and Africa. The first section provides statistics that reveal the extent of trade between China and Africa since 2000. The specific statistics center around the amount of natural resources exported to China and compares that to the amount of imports from China. After gaining insight into the extent of business between the two, one can begin to understand why Africa is so important to China. This importance is discussed in more detail against the backdrop of the historical background of these two regions. The following section explains the strategy that China has adapted to trade with Africa and introduces the concept of the “Chinese Model”. This model highlights the driving forces behind China’s strategic decisions and introduces some controversial arguments around some of the methods that China has adopted. An important part of this discussion is the comparison of China’s strategy with that of the West (i.e. regions like the United States of America (USA/US) and the European Union (EU). Some interesting statistics reveal that Africa is attracting significant amounts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and...
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...Chinese companies are winning over European multinationals in Africa - Why have Chinese companies found the emerging markets of Africa less risky and a more attractive proposition than western multinationals? - MSc BD7 Ping SUI Introduction: As an important global player and the main drive for economical growth, China’s massive investment in Africa has drawn the world’s attention. People can see European multinationals everywhere in Africa in the 80s, while now Chinese companies seem to take over the leading role. For example, in Angola, China helped to build the Angola Benguela railway, which is the longest railway Angola has had so far; in Nigeria, Chinese Telecom companies “Huawei” has a dominating presence both in fixed and wireless services by taking more than 90% of the market share. Not only can you find commodities made in China everywhere, but Chinese companies now build the infrastructures in many African countries too. On the contrary, the presence of European multinationals is not as strong as the Chinese ones: the amount of the funds flowing from Europe to Africa has decreased from 70% to 17% since the 70s; Western Europe’s share of overall international trade with Africa has decreased from 51% to 28%, while China has taken the place and become the biggest trading partner Africa has by surpassing America in 2009. Why are European MNCs less and less preset in Africa? What are the difficulties they have encountered? Do Chinese companies have same barriers...
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...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….......................................................................................................................................... Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese activity in Africa has been seen and has grown exponentially in the past decade. China’s enhanced role within the global economy has profound political implications across the world, but takes a particular form in Africa. Recently, there has been an ongoing move by the Chinese to tap in and secure natural resources in Africa through the Chinese-African trade and diplomatic relations. Though its growing interest in Africa has resulted in huge capital flows into the continent and increased exports of natural resources from Africa, it is the purpose of this paper to determine if this relationship is creating shared prosperity for both countries. It is also vital to outline the contexts of African crisis and Chinese expansionisms. The paper also tries to explain how Chinese renewed interest in the continent has been manifested and provides an analysis of its main effects. However, though Chinese involvement in Africa is subject to debate, it certainly does no, to a greater extent, merit accusations of neo-colonialism. It also brings with it some potential for greater socio-economic development, although this depends to...
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...superpower, has catalyzed her desire to engage Africa in her Foreign Policy. This has heightened the Chinese desire to geo- strategic reach into Africa as a going global strategy this has been the plan as far back in the 1978 eras of Mao Zedong. China’s objective in the new phase of assertiveness is to maintain strong economic ties in Africa, unlike the previous objective of building a coalition of sharing common goals with Africa as ‘Third World’. This geo-economic factor is influenced by the desire for resources to fuel its economic growth and gain energy security. China in strengthening her diplomatic and political ties sees Africa not just as ally to bid for influence and power, but as a source for natural resources . China has established Confucius Institutes (state-funded Chinese Cultural Centers) that have sprung up throughout Africa, teaching local people the culture and traditions. One wonders if China is positioning itself for taking over supremacy and advancing her Soft Policy in Africa. It is perhaps important to see our languages and cultures going out there too. The China- Africa Cooperation which was aimed at strengthening China’s diplomatic and political ties stared in post colonial Africa. The African plight of political freedom from their colonies, referred to as aggressors according to the Chinese and their desire to have a say in the international arena has given the Chinese a reason to defend their being in Africa. The analysis of the Beijing Consensus...
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...1 The Impact of China-Africa Trade Relations: The Case of Angola By Dr Ron Sandrey Associate Trade Law Centre of Southern Africa Prepared for the African Economic Research Consortium Nairobi, Kenya November 2009 2 Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Hannah Edinger, Research Fellow, China Africa Network, Centre for Business and Academic Research, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria; and Senior Manager & Head of Research at Frontier Advisory, for comments on a previous draft, and for research and editorial assistance. The author would also like to express gratitude to the African Economic Research Consortium for commissioning the research paper. 3 Table of Contents 1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………. 4 1.1 Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………... 4 1.2 Objectives of Report……………………………………………………………….… 5 1.3 Overview of Report……………………………………………………………….….. 7 2. Background………………………………………………………………….… 9 2.1 Angola & China Country Snapshots and the background trading relationship………………………………………………………………………….… 9 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.1.5 2.1.6 2.1.7 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 Angola – A Country Snapshot………………………………………………………….…. China – A Country Snapshot……………………………………………………………… Angola’s trade profile………………………………………………………………………. Angola’s trade profile with China…………………………………………………………. Angola’s other trade partners……………………………………………………………… Who are the gainers and losers from Angola’s increasing merchandise trade flows...
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...countries in the European Union and Japan are at alert in the sense that, China, one of the world fastest growing economy has been considered as a new competitor in the competition of securing a long term energy supplies around the globe. As China’s economy is rapidly growing and in other to acquire the needed resources to support its rapid growth, the government have taken a great step in focusing in other part of the world to secure oil which they deemed necessary coupled with other raw materials across the world. The rising economy of China was stated to have grown in an extraordinarily large number of nine (9) per cent per annum in the last twenty five (25) years whereas its consumption of energy has been said to have doubled to the extent that it outstripped the production of domestic energy. (Africa-practice report, 2007, p.2) Significantly, to catch up with the demand of its market, the economic powerhouse has channelled its attention to Africa. A continent widely known for its social and political unrest, though Chinese active involvement in Africa is a necessary mission in other for them to secure new export market for their manufactured goods, there are several strategic ways adopted by the Chinese government in their bilateral relation with African states; however, amongst the strategic ways is by significantly carrying out investment in the continent thereby increasing and securing a mutual relationship with various African nations they made contact with. On one hand,...
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...China’s Relations with Africa and West Name Name of Institution Tutor Date China’s Relations with Africa and West Introduction The international relations between China and countries of the West and Africa have enjoyed a long standing relationship though at different levels. Since the emergence of the People’s Republic of China, China-West and China-Africa relations have advanced continuously, as shall be demonstrated herein by the deepening relations in economic, political and cultural realms. These relations have created a new form of strategic partnerships founded on political equality, economic win-win relations, mutual trust and social-cultural exchanges. Over the last 60 years or so, China-West and China-Africa co-operations, have been based on the principles of equality, sincerity, mutual benefit and international relations development. Particularly, in Africa the co-operations have demonstrated reverence to the will of African countries, deepened relations between African and Chinese businesses and indicated a higher level of sincerity in helping African countries in their development agendas. However, this may not be the case with co-operations between China and the West due to different interest between the two entities, apparently, different from those that are experienced in Africa. Notwithstanding these different interests, a common feature on trade and economic relations have reached remarkable results and the overall effect has enabled growth in business...
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...various methods, India and China are two nations that have experienced an extreme increase in their position as soft powers. China has provided an attractive model for many other nations by serving as proof that modernization and westernization are not synonymous. The nation’s relationship focused culture and their ability to remain focused solely on business relationships and stay segregated from the governmental practices of their international partners adds to the attractiveness for some nations. Additionally, Confucius Institutes located around the world contribute to linguistic, historical, and cultural awareness. India also has a rich culture of which awareness is promoted through cultural centers around the world. It’s widespread influence can be depicted through the success of Indian cuisine, technology, Bollywood, and even yoga practices. India has transformed into a modernized democracy, attracting much attention through its large pool of English speaking workers in combination with its high-tech information technology abilities. These qualities have given rise to the expanding Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in India. This industry has allowed for the increase of India’s confidence in the global arena and has provided a starting point for further expansion and partnerships. Additionally, it has greatly contributed to India’s quickly growing economy. Overall, there is something to be learned from watching the expansion of China and India as soft powers...
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...October 2011 China And Africa. Zambia - China: Trade, Politics, and Development. Scope : In little over three decades, the Bilateral relationship between Zambia and the Peoples Republic of China has been cemented with a stronghold foundation, but then again, as interests have been reciprocated allying both over time, politics and economic imbalance has caused trade and development to be somewhat controversial in their Relationship. This paper will also look at the historical and contemporary ties between the two economies. In the Late 1960’s, shortly after Zambia’s Independence, China constructed a 2000km railway linking Zambia to Tanzania, in order to provide an alternate route to seaport trade for Zambia. This gesture, showed China’s interest in building ties with the Southern African State, and it also showed, that China could be a dependable ally of the Zambia. Zambia in turn also reciprocated, supporting the One China policy and also co- sponsoring China’s bid in the UN Security Council. Since then, both states have become affiliates with the sole purpose of steadfast development through trade and aid. After time and effort have been put into building political ties, investments made among allied states tend to incline economic gains and this gives birth to a new type of partnership among states. Chinese Investments in the Zambia can be dated back to the period of Zambia’s Post-independence, this was...
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...civil war. Pull factors are those which encourage a person to move. These include a chance of a better job, better education and a better standard of living. In my article reviews I will reveal some of the reasons for migration. Since migration occurs all over the world I decided to go beyond the beautiful tranquil waters of The Bahamas into the regions of South Africa and China. I selected two out four articles which are related Africa and the other two on China these are all based on some form of migration. My first article is entitle Migration and Elderly Africans in the United States and this speaks distinctively on Immigration migration. The second article entitle The socio-economic impact of African immigration on urban development in South Africa: the case of Empangeni this speaks distinctively on African immigration in South Africa. My third article entitle Rural-urban migration and urbanization in Gansu Province, China: Evidence of time-series Analysis speaks distinctively on Rural Urban migration and urbanization. Lastly, the article entile Critical Evaluation of the New Rural-Urban Labour Mobility in China: Reasons and Effect of Rural-Urban Labour Migration on Urban and Rural Labour Market speak distinctively on rural urban labour migration. Two things...
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...provide some protection against dumping by foreign manufacturers. The relationships governments build with each other also affects international trade and can go both ways good and bad. When one goes as far back as the Worlds Wars, one can clearly see a perfect example of this. Following the wars and the Depression, international trade and finance had been in retreat for decades, and protectionist forces seemed dominant in all major economies. National governments seemed bent on heavily restricting international economic transactions to preserve economic stability and fuller employment. As a result the Bretton Woods institutions appeared stillborn, rendered irrelevant by the highly restrictive trade and exchange control. Trade policies developed in the five largest trading economies – those of Britain, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan and the United States – new treaties were put in place and relationships had to be restored in most parts of the world. Since the end of the Second World War, US presidents have to varying degrees embraced global trade expansion and pushed for lower tariffs, increased trade flows and a multilateral regime based on fairness, transparency and the rule of law. Policy-makers have generally agreed that trade liberalization increased opportunities for US businesses and created jobs. A little closer to home and a little more in our time line one can look at South Africa in the apartheid era. Many other countries raised sanctions and boycotts...
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... Beijing Consensus Since China economic reform started in 1980s, China has been actively engaged establishing foreign relationship. The Chinese has done far more investments than the west today. However, the China effect in international relationships is viewed as a global concern due to China’s profit based foreign policy. China aimed Africa in 1970s as the first diplomatic target due to its rich natural resources. Up till today, the Chinese investment occupies 44% of all areas combined in Africa.1 In Angola, Chinese investors own 37% of the investments, and they benefit from these investments by earning millions of dollars. Seen from the outside, The Chinese seems is making a significant effort of making a win-win situation between China and Africa. In fact, China is often dealing its investment with the rouge governments and even, dictators. Example has been given in the book The Beijing Consensus. “Beijing has maintained strong economic relations with Khartoum since 2002, focusing on Sudan’s considerable natural resources.”1 A year later the genocide broke out between the Khartoum’s government and the Darfur region in Sudan. The conflict killed over two hundred thousand Darfurians and millions were displaced. The UN Security Council failed on intervene the violence because China’s diplomatic protection of Sudan. Interestingly, China did all these publically. China today is not afraid of public opinions any more, it shows more...
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