Abstract
The research purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the BRI in China-Africa relations and the mutual interdependence between the BRI and other forms of Chinese presence in Africa. In order to attain this goal, the method of analysis of secondary data will be employed regarding concluded agreements, trade exchange, Official Development Assistance (ODA), foreign direct investment (FDI), debt, instruments of soft power and plans for the future. The analysis allows the several conclusions to be drawn. The BRI is so flexible that it can be extended in a relatively simple way and in a short period to other African countries. The BRI is the structuring factor in China’s strategic approach to Africa and can give new impetus to Chinese trade, investment and contracts in Africa. The former institutional co-operation framework that encompassed the whole of Africa was very general and did not result in the identification of such concrete sectoral priorities as is the case with the BRI. The Initiative has exerted influence on China’s policy in Africa. There is no doubt that the Initiative’s core task in Africa is infrastructure connectivity, but one of the tasks proposed for the future is industrial relocation. If this task is accomplished, it may be fundamental for Africa’s development.
Highlights
It supports the thesis that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) might develop further. China gained another success in Africa when on 3rd September 2018, China and Mauritius, in the presence of Premier Li Keqiang and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, finalised negotiations, which had begun in December 2017, on a bilateral free-trade agreement
“Fuel and metal and mineral products account for 70 percent of sub-Saharan African exports to China whereas the majority of sub-Saharan Africa’s imports from China are manufactured goods, followed by machinery” (Chen, Nord, 2017: 1)
China is seeking the strategic goal of improving the country’s image in the eyes of global public opinion, spreading its own narrative and gaining influence on the language and concepts used in public debate
Summary
Chinese activity in Africa have a long history (N’Diaye, 2016). From the beginning it has been China that initiated these bilateral contacts, which remains the case today. This will be the first Chinese base abroad, and one of many foreign military bases in Djibouti, where troops are deployed from France, the United States, Japan, Italy, Spain and Germany The rationale for such initiatives is spelled out in the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2019–2021): “The two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in law-based governance, enhance mutual trust and exchanges in this respect, provide legal support and guarantee for China-Africa cooperation and the ‘Belt and Road’ international cooperation, and work together to improve the existing international legal system” (Forum, 2018). It supports the thesis that the BRI might develop further China gained another success in Africa when on 3rd September 2018, China and Mauritius, in the presence of Premier Li Keqiang and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, finalised negotiations, which had begun in December 2017, on a bilateral free-trade agreement. China (right axis) Other emerging partners (right Axis) Emergiging partners (as % of total)
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