China's New Role in Africa and the South: A Search for a New Perspective

by Dorothy-Grace Guerrero (Editor), Dorothy-Grace Guerrero (Editor)

China's global expansion is much talked about, but usually from the viewpoint of the West. This unique collection of essays written by scholars and activists from China and the global South provides diverse views on the challenges faced by Africa, Latin America, and Asia as a result of China's rise as a significant world economic power. Chinese aid, trade, and investments—driven by the needs of its own economy—present both threats and opportunities for the South, requiring a nuanced analysis that goes beyond simplistic caricatures of "good" and "evil." This book provides a fresh perspective that focuses on the economic, social, and environmental impact of China's expansion. It represents the first attempt to establish a dialogue between civil society in China and the global South. Contributors include Walden Bello, Luk Tak Chuen, Shalmali Guttal, Yu Xiaogang, Ding Pin, Xu Weizhong, Dot Keet, Barry Sautman, Yan Hairong, Lucy Corkin, Ali Askouri, Yuza Maw Htoon, Khin Zaw Win, Alexandre de Freitas Barbosa, Fu Tao, and Peter Bosshard.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Brandon Fryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Mainly focuses on economic relations between China and the whole of Africa and other "South" countries. The various articles are written from various view points so you actually see how China affects these countries and the good that can come from their development schemes. I love the fact that this book does not bastardize China at ever turn. The US has a rival in China and I always here how bad China is, but the US is no better. As a social researcher, some of the articles have "feelings" in them which can take away the academic feel of the book, but most of the articles are great with tons of references. If you are studying Africa, China, development, globalization or economics, read this book.