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China and Africa: A Century of Engagement
The People's Republic of China once limited its involvement in African affairs to building an occasional railroad or port, supporting African liberation movements, and loudly proclaiming socialist solidarity with the downtrodden of the continent. Now Chinese diplomats and Chinese companies, both state-owned and private, along with an influx of Chinese workers, have spread throughout Africa. This shift is one of the most important geopolitical phenomena of our time. "China and Africa: A Century of Engagement" presents a comprehensive view of the relationship between this powerful Asian nation and the countries of Africa.This book, the first of its kind to be published since the 1970s, examines all facets of China's relationship with each of the fifty-four African nations. It reviews the history of China's relations with the continent, looking back past the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It looks at a broad range of areas that define this relationship--politics, trade, investment, foreign aid, military, security, and culture--providing a significant historical backdrop for each. David H. Shinn and Joshua Eisenman's study combines careful observation, meticulous data analysis, and detailed understanding gained through diplomatic experience and extensive travel in China and Africa. "China and Africa" demonstrates that while China's connection to Africa is different from that of Western nations, it is no less complex. Africans and Chinese are still developing their perceptions of each other, and these changing views have both positive and negative dimensions.
544 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 19, 2015
Discusses China's activities in Africa and surveys its diverse arrangements in all the countries there.
A dense book: lots of information; it is easy to get overwhelmed by the data. However, it is not a data book with lots of graphs, charts and such. Narration is used.
Also, the authors continually point out trends and general principles and historical/cultural circumstances in addition to providing brief summary analyses.
A dense book: lots of information; it is easy to get overwhelmed by the data. However, it is not a data book with lots of graphs, charts and such. Narration is used.
Also, the authors continually point out trends and general principles and historical/cultural circumstances in addition to providing brief summary analyses.
July 5, 2021
An eye-opening book that paints an accurate, objective picture of China's diplomatic activities both within the context of the African continent and within the context of each individual country. Although the book is dated (published in 2012), it serves as great reference material for Sino-African specialists.
My big takeaway? China has been both pragmatic and patient in its dealings with African nations. Beijing has adroitly adapted its policies to frequent regime change, whether it be a democratically-elected regime or a military coup. There is comfortability working with politicians across the political spectrum, as long as they are willing to recognize the "One China" principle and stay silent on Tibet/Xinjiang, etc. For African governments, they have found China a willing funder of high-profile, capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Western governments have been increasingly unwilling or unable to finance these projects, so China has stepped up. China also supplies desperately needed consumer goods, which are affordable and have decent quality. African consumers certainly benefit by paying lower prices for basic goods. Unfortunately, this has made it challenging for domestic producers to compete against Chinese imports.
Going forward, the key is going to be for African producers to move up the value chain and produce exports other than raw materials for the Chinese and international markets. In the meantime, African governments would be well-advised to invest the profits from the sale of raw materials into investment funds and development projects that can grow secondary and tertiary industries. They would also be advised to organize and coordinate some basic economic policies as a continent. That would give African nations more power and leverage to negotiate more equal terms with their Chinese counterparts.
Cons? This book has a couple of basic errors that seriously irk me. Jiang Zemin was never the "Premier" of China, which he is erroneously referred to once. Yikes! Also, China does not have a "Senior Military Commission," only a "Central Military Commission." I was disappointed to see these errors and wish that a good copy editor would have noticed them. Other than that, this was a great resource. I see myself coming back to it in the future.
My big takeaway? China has been both pragmatic and patient in its dealings with African nations. Beijing has adroitly adapted its policies to frequent regime change, whether it be a democratically-elected regime or a military coup. There is comfortability working with politicians across the political spectrum, as long as they are willing to recognize the "One China" principle and stay silent on Tibet/Xinjiang, etc. For African governments, they have found China a willing funder of high-profile, capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Western governments have been increasingly unwilling or unable to finance these projects, so China has stepped up. China also supplies desperately needed consumer goods, which are affordable and have decent quality. African consumers certainly benefit by paying lower prices for basic goods. Unfortunately, this has made it challenging for domestic producers to compete against Chinese imports.
Going forward, the key is going to be for African producers to move up the value chain and produce exports other than raw materials for the Chinese and international markets. In the meantime, African governments would be well-advised to invest the profits from the sale of raw materials into investment funds and development projects that can grow secondary and tertiary industries. They would also be advised to organize and coordinate some basic economic policies as a continent. That would give African nations more power and leverage to negotiate more equal terms with their Chinese counterparts.
Cons? This book has a couple of basic errors that seriously irk me. Jiang Zemin was never the "Premier" of China, which he is erroneously referred to once. Yikes! Also, China does not have a "Senior Military Commission," only a "Central Military Commission." I was disappointed to see these errors and wish that a good copy editor would have noticed them. Other than that, this was a great resource. I see myself coming back to it in the future.
February 26, 2016
Excellent
In depth ecountry by country review of the economic, cultural and societal relationships between China and the 55 African nations from ancient times to 2011. Very thought provoking. Diplomats need to read this book for an enhanced perspective of how China has evolved it's trade and political policies to capture a resource rich continent.ok
In depth ecountry by country review of the economic, cultural and societal relationships between China and the 55 African nations from ancient times to 2011. Very thought provoking. Diplomats need to read this book for an enhanced perspective of how China has evolved it's trade and political policies to capture a resource rich continent.ok
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November 6, 2012Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews