China’s Aid and Smart Power in Africa: A Different Partnership and Cooperation Model

Viviane Bayala,Kemo Badiane

doi:10.5296/jsss.v8i1.17576

Abstract

Essentially based on the analysis of documentary and oral sources collected in libraries and from networks, this paper reexamines the Chinese approach in the field of development aid. It is based on the premise that the Chinese aid policy in Africa combines realism and idealism to reach its foreign policy goals in Africa, and this singularity is firmly rooted in old-fashioned principles stemming from the Chinese strategic culture. To show this assertion is relevant, the article includes three sections. The first section analyzes the cultural principles which determine the Chinese foreign policy as a whole; whereas the last two sections explain their relevance on the realist and idealist dimensions of China’s aid policy in Africa. Finally, we discuss the implications of China’s approach in the field of development aid.

Highlights

Smart power is “the ability to combine hard and soft power into a successful strategy” (Nye, 2007)
Based on the analysis of documentary and oral sources collected in libraries and from networks, this paper reexamines the Chinese approach in the field of development aid
It is based on the premise that the Chinese aid policy in Africa combines realism and idealism to reach its foreign policy goals in Africa, and this singularity is firmly rooted in old-fashioned principles stemming from the Chinese strategic culture

Summary

Introduction

Smart power is “the ability to combine hard and soft power into a successful strategy” (Nye, 2007). The first official report on Chinese foreign aid published in 2011 confirms this remark In it, it is said China has procured financial assistance all over the world, and till 2009, the country paid out Yuan 256.29 billion. For the first time, in the history of foreign aid, an emerging oriental power possesses political, military and economic assets to establish itself on the international scene as a key aid-giver to African countries in addition to traditional Western givers. This new order requires the understanding of philosophical foundations which underlies the Chinese aid policy on the continent. This article defends the idea that China’s approach is, distinguished by its taking roots in the ancient principles of the Chinese strategic culture

The Chinese Approach: A Cultural Singularity

The Chinese Aid to Africa: A Realist Policy but Flexible

An Idealistic but Pragmatic Policy

Findings

Conclusion