In Search of a Policy: EU and US Reactions to the Growing Chinese Presence in Africa

Abstract

The recent inroads made by China in the African continent as a trading partner, investor and donor have been important both in terms of magnitude and pace. Even though for a number of African regimes it signifies increased bargaining power, the growing Chinese presence in Africa was greeted with skepticism or anxiety in the West. After an overview of the multifaceted Chinese presence in Africa and the stance taken by the USA, the article attempts to identify the reasons that could explain the rather belated, especially if its traditional ties with Africa are taken into account, EU response. It concludes by predicting a rapprochement between the EU and the USA over the ways to deal with various aspects of China’s increasing presence in Africa.