Over the past few decades, China’s rapid economic growth and expanding middle class have fueled an unprecedented need for resources.
The economic powerhouse has focused on securing the long-term energy supplies needed to sustain its industrialization, searching for secure access to oil supplies and other raw materials around the globe. As part of this effort, China has turned to Africa. Through significant investment in a continent known for political and security risks, China has boosted African oil and mining sectors in exchange for advantageous trade deals. Chinese companies are also diversifying their business pursuits in Africa, in infrastructure, manufacturing, telecommunications, and agricultural sectors.
However, China’s activity in Africa has faced criticism from Western and African civil society over its controversial business practices, as well as its failure to promote good governance and human rights. Yet a number of African governments appear to be content with China’s policy. At the same time, Beijing’s complex relationship with the continent has challenged its policy of noninterference in the affairs of African governments.
China’s economy, which had averaged an annual growth rate of 10 percent for three decades until 2010, requires substantial levels of energy to sustain its momentum. It has become the world’s largest energy consumer and producer [PDF] in the world. Though China relies on coal for much of its energy needs, its oil consumption is second worldwide. Once the largest oil exporter in Asia, China became a net importer in 1993 and has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest importer of oil in recent years. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2014 [PDF] projected that China will become the world’s largest consumer of oil by the early 2030s.
What agricultural message should the African leaders take to the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation?
Chinese financing comes often in the form of loans and credits provided by the People’s Bank of China, the China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the China-Africa Development Fund. Between 2000 and 2014, Chinese banks, contractors, and the government loaned more than $86 billion to Africa, according to SAIS-CARI. Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan were the top recipients. However, these large loans are beginning to raise questions about debt loads in African countries, showing indications of a potential debt crisis.
Beijing has steadily diversified its business interests in Africa. China has participated in energy, mining, and telecommunications industries and financed the construction of roads, railways, ports, airports, hospitals, schools, and stadiums. Investment from a mixture of state and private funds has also set up tobacco, rubber, sugar, and sisal plantations. Domestic economic conditions drove Chinese firms to break into new markets for its consumer goods and excess industrial capacity as part of China’s “going out” or “going global” strategy. Chinese investment in Africa also fits into Chinese President Xi Jinping’s development framework, “One Belt, One Road,” which joins a continental economic belt and a maritime road to promote cooperation and interconnectivity from Eurasia to Africa.
Perceptions in Africa
Opinion surveys have shown that the majority of respondents in African countries view China favorably, both in terms of its influence as well as its contributions to the continent’s development. On average, 63 percent [PDF] of Africans view China’s economic and political influence as somewhat or very positive, according to a 2016 poll conducted in thirty-six countries by Afrobarometer, a Pan-African research network. Many African leaders have lauded the benefits of Chinese investment to support growth in their countries. “China, which has fought its own battles to modernise, has a much greater sense of the personal urgency of development in Africa than many western nations,” wrote former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade in a 2008 op-ed.
The danger of China in Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue. Some of the concerns include:
1. Debt trap diplomacy: China's lending practices have led to debt distress in several African countries.
2. Exploitation of resources: China's pursuit of natural resources has raised concerns about exploitation and environmental degradation.
3. Lack of transparency: China's dealings with African governments often lack transparency, fueling corruption and undermining accountability.
4. Displacement of local industries: Chinese imports and investments have been accused of displacing local industries and undermining economic development.
5. Security concerns: China's growing military presence in Africa has raised concerns about security and geopolitical implications.
6. Cultural imperialism: China's cultural and media influence has been criticized for promoting a singular narrative and undermining African cultures.
7. Environmental degradation: China's investments in infrastructure and natural resources have been linked to environmental degradation and pollution.
8. Labor practices: Chinese companies have faced criticism for poor labor practices and exploitation of African workers.
It's essential to note that China's involvement in Africa is complex, and not all interactions can be viewed as negative. China has also provided significant investments, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities for many African countries.
A balanced perspective recognizes both the benefits and risks of China's involvement in Africa, acknowledging the agency and autonomy of African nations to make informed decisions about their partnerships.
China's growing presence in Africa has raised concerns about its intentions and motivations. While China's official stance is to promote cooperation and mutual benefit, some critics argue that China's ultimate goal is to expand its influence and control over the continent.
Reasons why some people believe China wants to rule Africa:
1. Rapid expansion: China's investments, loans, and infrastructure projects in Africa have grown exponentially in recent years.
2. Strategic locations: China has established military bases and ports in strategic locations, such as Djibouti and Tanzania.
3. Resource extraction: China is heavily invested in Africa's natural resources, including oil, minerals, and timber.
4. Infrastructure control: China is building and financing critical infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and airports.
5. Debt trap diplomacy: China's lending practices have led to debt distress in several African countries, potentially allowing China to gain leverage over their governments.
6. Political influence: China has been accused of using its economic influence to sway political decisions in Africa.
However, it's essential to note that:
1. African agency: African countries have the autonomy to make decisions about their partnerships and engagements with China.
2. Mutual benefits: Many African countries see China as a valuable partner for economic development and infrastructure growth.
3. Diversifying relationships: Africa is diversifying its relationships with other global powers, reducing dependence on any single country.
The situation is complex, and China's intentions are likely multifaceted. While some concerns are valid, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification and recognize the agency and diversity of African countries.
The moral of the story is- China have open hand- until the day the asked their hand back. - Then Africa become CHINA
