5 - Emerging Questions on the Shifting Sino- Africa Relations: ‘Win-Win’ or ‘Win-Lose’?
Corresponding Author(s) : Phineas Bbaala
Africa Development,
Vol. 40 No. 3 (2015): Africa Development: Special Issue on Transforming Global Relations for a Just World
Abstract
Orthodox scholarly discourse on the theme of Sino-Africa relations has tended to accentuate the efficacy of the South-South alternative to development, chiefly as the vehicle for mitigating the developing countries’ peripheral status in the global order. Literature has accused the North-South economic relations of favouring the former. In search of justice and fair play in international political and economic relations, most African countries started ‘looking east’, mainly towards China. Notwithstanding China’s long solidarity with Africa throughout the liberation struggle, and its contribution to the continent through foreign direct investment, infrastructure development, trade and bilateral aid, some of its recent engagements with the continent have raised questions of neo-colonialism tantamount to those in the North-South relations. The new Sino-Africa relations are being viewed by many as mainly driven by China’s hunger for Africa’s natural resources and the search for international markets for its manufactures, and business opportunities for its multinational corporations. The article argues that the new Sino-Africa economic relations, although still largely ‘win-win’, could soon plunge into ‘win-lose’ relations in favour of China.
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- Africa Development Bank (ADB), 2011, ‘China’s Trade and FDI in Africa’, Working Paper No. 126, Tunis.
- Alden, C. and Alves, A.C., 2009, ‘China and Africa’s Natural Resources: The Challenges and Implications for Development and Governance’, Braamfontein: South African Institute of International Affairs.
- Alden, C., 2007, China in Africa: African Arguments, London: Zed Books Ltd.
- Alden, C. and Large, D., 2011, ‘China’s Exceptionalism and the Challenges of Delivering Difference in Africa’, Journal of Contemporary China, 20:68, 21-38.
- Alves, A.C., 2013, ‘China’s “Win-Win” Cooperation: Unpacking the Impact of Infrastructure-for-Resources Deals in Africa’, South African Journal of International Affairs, 20:2, 207-226.
- Antony, R., 2013, ‘Infrastructure and Influence: China’s Presence on the Coast of East Africa’, Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 9:2, 134-149.
- Arase, D., 1995, Buying Power: The Political Economy of Japan’s Foreign Aid, Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers.
- Ayodele, T. and Sotola, O., ‘China in Africa: An Evaluation of Chinese Investment, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis’, Working Paper Series, 2004.
- Bello, O. et al, 2014, ‘The Security Dimension of Labour Relations Conflicts in Africa’s Minerals Sector: Experiences from South Africa and Zambia’, in S.K. Ewusi and J.B. Butera (eds), Beyond State Building: Confronting Africa’s Governance and Socio-economic Challenges in the 21st Century, Addis Ababa, University for Peace (UPEACE) Africa Programme, 244-273.
- Biggeri, M and Sanfilippo, M., Understanding China’s Move Into Africa: An Empirical Analysis, Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 7:1, 31-54, 2009.
- Biney, A., 2012, ‘The Intellectual and Political Legacies of Kwame Nkrumah’, Journal of Pan African Studies, Vol. 4, No. 10, 127-142.
- Campbell, H., 2008, ‘China in Africa: Challenging US Global Hegemony’, Third World Quarterly, 29:1, 89-105.
- Chun, Z., 2009, ‘China Engaging Africa-Looking for the Future’, in L. Hongwu and Y. Jiemain, eds, Fifty Years of Sino-Africa Cooperation: Background, Progress and Significance – Chinese Perspectives on Sino-Africa Relations, Yunnan University Press.
- Eisenman, J., 2012, ‘China-Africa Trade Patterns: Causes and Consequences’, Journal of Contemporary China, 21:77, 793-810
- Fijalkowski, L., 2011, ‘China’s “Soft Power” in Africa?’, Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 29:2, 223-232.
- Frank, A.G., 1966, Latin America: Underdevelopment of Revolution – Essays on the Development of Underdevelopment and the Immediate Enemy, New York: Monthly Review.
- Gasser, C.S., 2010, ‘Sino-African State Trading in Services: Added Value Through Angola-Model Loaning, GATS Commitments or FTAs?’, 5th Annual TRAPCA Trade Conference, Arusha.
- Geda, A., Mosisa, S and Assefa, M., 2013, ‘To Be or Not to Be: Dilemma of Africa’s Economic Engagement with China and Other Emerging Economies’, Africa Review, 5:2, 118-138.
- Grauwe, P. D. et al, 2012, ‘African Trade Dynamics: Is China a Different Trading Partner?’, Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 10:1, 15-45.
- Hanusch, M., 2012, African Perspective on China-Africa: Modelling Popular Perceptions and their Economic and Political Determinants, Oxford Development Studies, 40:4, 492-516.
- Haugen, H, O., 2011, ‘Chinese Exports to Africa: Competition, Complemetarity and Cooperation Between Micro-level Actors’, Forum for Developing Studies, Vol.38, No. 2, 157-176.
- Hess, S., and Aidoo, R., 2013, ‘Charting the Roots of Anti-Chinese Populism in Africa: A Comparison of Zambia and Ghana’, Journal of Asian and African Studies, 48:6, 1-19.
- Hodzi, O., et al., 2012, ‘“Unconditional Aid”’: Assessing the Impact of China’s Development Assistance to Zimbabwe’, 19:1, 79-103,.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2013, ‘Africa’s Rising Exposure to China: How Large are Spillovers Through Trade?’, Working Paper, African Department.
- Jones, B.A., 2015, ‘Resources for Infrastructure: The Sustainability Dynamics of Sino-Africa Trade’ (Syntao-Sustainability Solutions, 2013). Available on www.syntao.com/uploads.Visited on 21 March.
- Kamwanga, J. and Koyi, G., 2009, ‘Impact of China-Africa Investment Relations: The Case of Zambia’, (African Economic Research Consortium, 2009).
- Large, D., 2007, ‘China’s Involvement in Armed Conflict and Post-War Reconstruction in Africa: Sudan in Comparative Context’ in P. Luke, ed., Oil Development in Africa: Lessons for Sudan After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Copenhangen: Danish Institute for International Studies, Report No. 8.
- Melber, H., 2013, ‘Reviewing China and Africa: Old Interests, New Trends – Or New Interests, Old Trends’, Development South-South, 30:4-5, 437-450.
- Muyakwa, S., 2009, ‘Workshop Paper on China and Africa Relations with Special Focus on Extractive Industries’, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
- Mazrui, A., 2004, Nkrumah’s Legacy and Africa’s Triple Heritage between Globalisation and Counter Terrorism, Ghana Universities Press.
- Naidu, S. et al, 2009, ‘China’s (Re)-Emerging Relations with Africa: Forging a New Consensus?’, Politikin: South African Journal of Political Studies, 36:1, 87-115.
- Nkrumah, K., 1968, A Hand Book of Revolutionary Warfare: A Guide to the Armed Phase of the African Revolution, New York: International Publishers.
- Nkrumah, K., 1965, Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, New York: International Publishers.
- Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund), 2011, Report, China in Africa: What can Western Donors Learn?
- Nye, J., 1990, ‘Soft Power’, Foreign Policy, 153-171.
- Obi, C., 2009, ‘China in Nigeria: Is Oil a Catalyst for Armed Violence?’, Africa Review, 1:2, 93-109.
- People’s Republic of China (PRC), 2013, Information Office of the State Council, White Paper, China-Africa Trade Cooperation.
- Ping, H.W., China’s African Policy, 2009, Africa Review, 1:1, 35-53.
- Rodney, W., 1973, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, London and Dar es Salaam,Bogle-L ‘Ouverture Publications and Tanzania Publishing House .
- Sandrey, R., 2009, ‘The Impact of China-Africa Trade Relations: The Case of Angola’, African Economic Research Consortium.
- Samy, Y., ‘China’s Aid Politics in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges’, The Common Wealth Journal of International Affairs, 99:406, 75-90.
- Sata, M,C., 2007, ‘Chinese investment in Africa and Implications for International Relations, Consolidation of Democracy and Respect for Human Rights: The Case of Zambia’, Paper Presented to the Harvard University Committee on Human Rights Studies, Events Series, Boston, October 24.
- Standard Bank, 2014, ‘Africa’s Re-Pivoting Trade Portrait, Insight and Strategy’, Africa Macro.Available on www.standardbank.com/research,Visited on 13 June 2015.
- Takamine, T., 2006, Japan’s Development Aid to China: The Long Running Foreign Policy of Engagement, New York: Routledge.
- Taylor, I., China’s Arms Sales to Africa: Beijing’s Reputation at Risk, China Brief, The Jamestown Foundation, Vol.VII, Issue 7, 5 April 2007.
- The China Monitor (Issues from July 2006-October 2007).
- The Post Newspaper, Issues from Saturday, May 9 to May 11, 2015.
- Turok, B., ed., Development in Zambia: A Reader, London and New Jersey: Zed Books, 1979.
- Van Beek, U.J., 2011, ‘China’s Global Policy and Africa: A Few Implications for the Post-Crisis World’, Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies, 3:8, 389-408.
- Wermerdam, W. and Van Dijk, M.P., 2013, ‘China-Uganda and the Question of Mutual Benefits’, South African Journal of International Affairs, 20:2, 271-295.
- Williamson, J., 2000, ‘What Should the World Bank Think about the Washington Consensus?’ World Bank Research Observer, Vol. 15, Issue 2.
- Williamson, J., 1990, ‘What Washington Means by Policy Reform’, in J. Williamson, ed., Latin American Adjustment: How Much has Happened? Washington, Institute for International Economics.
- World Trade Organisation (WTO), 2015, International Trade Statistics, 2014, Available on www.wto.org/statistics.Visited on 13 June.
- Zaharna, R.S. et al, 2014, Confucius Institutes and the Globalisation of China’s Soft Power, Los Angeles, Figueroa Press.
References
Africa Development Bank (ADB), 2011, ‘China’s Trade and FDI in Africa’, Working Paper No. 126, Tunis.
Alden, C. and Alves, A.C., 2009, ‘China and Africa’s Natural Resources: The Challenges and Implications for Development and Governance’, Braamfontein: South African Institute of International Affairs.
Alden, C., 2007, China in Africa: African Arguments, London: Zed Books Ltd.
Alden, C. and Large, D., 2011, ‘China’s Exceptionalism and the Challenges of Delivering Difference in Africa’, Journal of Contemporary China, 20:68, 21-38.
Alves, A.C., 2013, ‘China’s “Win-Win” Cooperation: Unpacking the Impact of Infrastructure-for-Resources Deals in Africa’, South African Journal of International Affairs, 20:2, 207-226.
Antony, R., 2013, ‘Infrastructure and Influence: China’s Presence on the Coast of East Africa’, Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 9:2, 134-149.
Arase, D., 1995, Buying Power: The Political Economy of Japan’s Foreign Aid, Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers.
Ayodele, T. and Sotola, O., ‘China in Africa: An Evaluation of Chinese Investment, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis’, Working Paper Series, 2004.
Bello, O. et al, 2014, ‘The Security Dimension of Labour Relations Conflicts in Africa’s Minerals Sector: Experiences from South Africa and Zambia’, in S.K. Ewusi and J.B. Butera (eds), Beyond State Building: Confronting Africa’s Governance and Socio-economic Challenges in the 21st Century, Addis Ababa, University for Peace (UPEACE) Africa Programme, 244-273.
Biggeri, M and Sanfilippo, M., Understanding China’s Move Into Africa: An Empirical Analysis, Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 7:1, 31-54, 2009.
Biney, A., 2012, ‘The Intellectual and Political Legacies of Kwame Nkrumah’, Journal of Pan African Studies, Vol. 4, No. 10, 127-142.
Campbell, H., 2008, ‘China in Africa: Challenging US Global Hegemony’, Third World Quarterly, 29:1, 89-105.
Chun, Z., 2009, ‘China Engaging Africa-Looking for the Future’, in L. Hongwu and Y. Jiemain, eds, Fifty Years of Sino-Africa Cooperation: Background, Progress and Significance – Chinese Perspectives on Sino-Africa Relations, Yunnan University Press.
Eisenman, J., 2012, ‘China-Africa Trade Patterns: Causes and Consequences’, Journal of Contemporary China, 21:77, 793-810
Fijalkowski, L., 2011, ‘China’s “Soft Power” in Africa?’, Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 29:2, 223-232.
Frank, A.G., 1966, Latin America: Underdevelopment of Revolution – Essays on the Development of Underdevelopment and the Immediate Enemy, New York: Monthly Review.
Gasser, C.S., 2010, ‘Sino-African State Trading in Services: Added Value Through Angola-Model Loaning, GATS Commitments or FTAs?’, 5th Annual TRAPCA Trade Conference, Arusha.
Geda, A., Mosisa, S and Assefa, M., 2013, ‘To Be or Not to Be: Dilemma of Africa’s Economic Engagement with China and Other Emerging Economies’, Africa Review, 5:2, 118-138.
Grauwe, P. D. et al, 2012, ‘African Trade Dynamics: Is China a Different Trading Partner?’, Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 10:1, 15-45.
Hanusch, M., 2012, African Perspective on China-Africa: Modelling Popular Perceptions and their Economic and Political Determinants, Oxford Development Studies, 40:4, 492-516.
Haugen, H, O., 2011, ‘Chinese Exports to Africa: Competition, Complemetarity and Cooperation Between Micro-level Actors’, Forum for Developing Studies, Vol.38, No. 2, 157-176.
Hess, S., and Aidoo, R., 2013, ‘Charting the Roots of Anti-Chinese Populism in Africa: A Comparison of Zambia and Ghana’, Journal of Asian and African Studies, 48:6, 1-19.
Hodzi, O., et al., 2012, ‘“Unconditional Aid”’: Assessing the Impact of China’s Development Assistance to Zimbabwe’, 19:1, 79-103,.
International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2013, ‘Africa’s Rising Exposure to China: How Large are Spillovers Through Trade?’, Working Paper, African Department.
Jones, B.A., 2015, ‘Resources for Infrastructure: The Sustainability Dynamics of Sino-Africa Trade’ (Syntao-Sustainability Solutions, 2013). Available on www.syntao.com/uploads.Visited on 21 March.
Kamwanga, J. and Koyi, G., 2009, ‘Impact of China-Africa Investment Relations: The Case of Zambia’, (African Economic Research Consortium, 2009).
Large, D., 2007, ‘China’s Involvement in Armed Conflict and Post-War Reconstruction in Africa: Sudan in Comparative Context’ in P. Luke, ed., Oil Development in Africa: Lessons for Sudan After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Copenhangen: Danish Institute for International Studies, Report No. 8.
Melber, H., 2013, ‘Reviewing China and Africa: Old Interests, New Trends – Or New Interests, Old Trends’, Development South-South, 30:4-5, 437-450.
Muyakwa, S., 2009, ‘Workshop Paper on China and Africa Relations with Special Focus on Extractive Industries’, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
Mazrui, A., 2004, Nkrumah’s Legacy and Africa’s Triple Heritage between Globalisation and Counter Terrorism, Ghana Universities Press.
Naidu, S. et al, 2009, ‘China’s (Re)-Emerging Relations with Africa: Forging a New Consensus?’, Politikin: South African Journal of Political Studies, 36:1, 87-115.
Nkrumah, K., 1968, A Hand Book of Revolutionary Warfare: A Guide to the Armed Phase of the African Revolution, New York: International Publishers.
Nkrumah, K., 1965, Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, New York: International Publishers.
Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund), 2011, Report, China in Africa: What can Western Donors Learn?
Nye, J., 1990, ‘Soft Power’, Foreign Policy, 153-171.
Obi, C., 2009, ‘China in Nigeria: Is Oil a Catalyst for Armed Violence?’, Africa Review, 1:2, 93-109.
People’s Republic of China (PRC), 2013, Information Office of the State Council, White Paper, China-Africa Trade Cooperation.
Ping, H.W., China’s African Policy, 2009, Africa Review, 1:1, 35-53.
Rodney, W., 1973, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, London and Dar es Salaam,Bogle-L ‘Ouverture Publications and Tanzania Publishing House .
Sandrey, R., 2009, ‘The Impact of China-Africa Trade Relations: The Case of Angola’, African Economic Research Consortium.
Samy, Y., ‘China’s Aid Politics in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges’, The Common Wealth Journal of International Affairs, 99:406, 75-90.
Sata, M,C., 2007, ‘Chinese investment in Africa and Implications for International Relations, Consolidation of Democracy and Respect for Human Rights: The Case of Zambia’, Paper Presented to the Harvard University Committee on Human Rights Studies, Events Series, Boston, October 24.
Standard Bank, 2014, ‘Africa’s Re-Pivoting Trade Portrait, Insight and Strategy’, Africa Macro.Available on www.standardbank.com/research,Visited on 13 June 2015.
Takamine, T., 2006, Japan’s Development Aid to China: The Long Running Foreign Policy of Engagement, New York: Routledge.
Taylor, I., China’s Arms Sales to Africa: Beijing’s Reputation at Risk, China Brief, The Jamestown Foundation, Vol.VII, Issue 7, 5 April 2007.
The China Monitor (Issues from July 2006-October 2007).
The Post Newspaper, Issues from Saturday, May 9 to May 11, 2015.
Turok, B., ed., Development in Zambia: A Reader, London and New Jersey: Zed Books, 1979.
Van Beek, U.J., 2011, ‘China’s Global Policy and Africa: A Few Implications for the Post-Crisis World’, Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies, 3:8, 389-408.
Wermerdam, W. and Van Dijk, M.P., 2013, ‘China-Uganda and the Question of Mutual Benefits’, South African Journal of International Affairs, 20:2, 271-295.
Williamson, J., 2000, ‘What Should the World Bank Think about the Washington Consensus?’ World Bank Research Observer, Vol. 15, Issue 2.
Williamson, J., 1990, ‘What Washington Means by Policy Reform’, in J. Williamson, ed., Latin American Adjustment: How Much has Happened? Washington, Institute for International Economics.
World Trade Organisation (WTO), 2015, International Trade Statistics, 2014, Available on www.wto.org/statistics.Visited on 13 June.
Zaharna, R.S. et al, 2014, Confucius Institutes and the Globalisation of China’s Soft Power, Los Angeles, Figueroa Press.