3- China in Africa

Abstract

African Perspectives on China in Africa by Firoze Manji and Stephen Marks, eds Fahamu and Pambazuka, 2007 ISBN: 978-0-9545637-3-8

Any volume on what has become a controversial subject is to be welcomed. But it is especially so when it reflects the “voice of independent African analysts and activists”. There is growing consternation and anxiety about China’s growing footprint across Africa and what this portends for the continent’s growth and development. However, as a cautionary note and as is implicit in the sub-text of this book, we must guard against caricature and demonisation of China, since this can become an easy substitute for serious debate, research andanalysis. As a matter of fact, the threat perception and phobia about China in Africa are largely products of Western inspired hypocrisy and arrogance, which is increasingly finding echoes among Africans themselves. The historical record will show that European and American policies in Africa were characterised by a mixture of exploitation, aggression, hubris and injustice, organised mostly for economic gain and buttressed by political expediency rather than ethical restraint. Whether China will repeat this folly and whether it represents a “new imperialism” in Africa are issues which this book sets out to consider and explore from an African perspective.