Abstract
The objective of this article is to demonstrate that one of the most significant consequences of the growth of China-Africa relations is the positioning of the African continent as a possible theatre for US-China geo-political rivalry. The interpretative approach adopted in this essay involves a comprehensive review of extant literature, and draws on recent data to highlight China’s economic forays into Africa and the attendant implications. Undeniably, Africa’s strategic minerals are of great value to both competing global powers, that is, the United States and China. Interestingly, China’s presence in Africa has been bolstered by its state-capitalist model which has captivated and convinced most African leaders into believing that this alternative development paradigm might be the answer to Africa’s long quest for economic growth. To many African leaders whose regimes are mainly pseudo-democracies, the Chinese model which delivers economic growth without embracing democracy has become an attractive option vis-à-vis the Western model which is predicated on unpopular conditionalities of good governance and respect for human rights. While the emergence of China in Africa has been welcomed in the continent, it is equally true that some concerns and fears are emerging over the growing presence of China in Africa. Some of these concerns include the reversal of the democratization agenda in some African countries; the unequal trade relations between Africa and China; environmental questions on Chinese investments; and fears of a re-packaged form of new colonialism.More importantly, most African countries are apprehensive about the growing tensions between China and the US over Africa which might lead to a new ‘Scramble for Africa’ and the re-emergence of proxy conflicts on the continent.
Highlights
Until the re-entry of China in the past decade, the natural resources of Africa were exploited almost exclusively by Western countries
It has failed to make an impact on Africa because the Western model of aid-driven development underpinned by the democratization and good governance agenda has been an unqualified success in the eyes of most African countries
As African scholars and policymakers grapple with the competing perspectives or positions and seek answers to the question of just what are the impacts and sustained benefits of China’s Africa’s policy, perhaps the answer lies in “how African leaders engage with China, how they define their business relationships, and manage their political interactions” (Ramburuth, Buatsi, & Owusu, 2010, p.157)
Summary
Until the re-entry of China in the past decade (and to some extent by Russia, Brazil, and India), the natural resources of Africa were exploited almost exclusively by Western countries. The fact that many African leaders are themselves under growing domestic and external Western-inspired pressure to liberalise their political systems, they are more than willing to go along with China’s viewpoint that Western demands for democracy and the respect for human rights are disguised imperialistic manoeuvresbent on undermining the independence, stability and progress of developing countries This implies that African and Chinese policy makers have a completely common interest in the present international system. Despite misgivings and concerns about China’s Africa policy, the majority of African countries seem to believe that it is a worthwhile strategic partner that is willing to help Africa achieve its own goals of national development and total independence To what extent these African countries will tie their economies with that of China depends, in no small measure, depend on the extent to which alternative economic opportunities are made available to them. These models have been unattractive vis-à-vis China’s model of mutual benefit
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