Editor's note

Today millions of people are celebrating the Chinese New Year. The day will also be marked by Chinese communities across Africa. We’ve used the opportunity to offer a selection of articles we’ve published on relations between the continent and a country that’s on course to become the world’s largest economy by 2030.

In this special edition we look at the complex ties between African countries and China. Topics range from trade and investment, to racism and Beijing’s use of soft power to win influence.

Probably the biggest challenge facing the relationship is the massive disparity in power relations between China and individual African countries. Yu-Shan Wu, Chris Alden and Cobus van Staden argue that it’s time to consider the agency of countries in the light of this. The three authors also examine the role that the Belt and Road Initiative is likely to play in driving closer economic ties.

In addition, Yu-Shan Wu examines the role that film and media could play in consolidating Beijing’s influence while David Kiwuwa argues that China’s decision to remove term limits could prove to be a gift to despots in Africa.

Caroline Southey

Editor

Top Stories

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and China’s President Xi Jinping at the 2018 summit in Beijing. EPA-EFE/Andy Wong (Pool)

Ties between African countries and China are complex. Understanding this matters

Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science; Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs

Not enough credit is given to the agency African governments have in their dealings with China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has led social and economic transformation. Wu Hong /EPA

Why China’s removal of term limits is a gift to African despots

David E Kiwuwa, University of Nottingham

The Chinese Communist Party's decision to remove presidential term limits could be a signal to African despots.

Trade

A tale of two Chinas: the story of South Africa’s switch from Taipei to Beijing

Christopher Williams, University of the Witwatersrand

Mandela did not make the decision to jettison Taiwan and recognise China. He adhered to a decision by the governing ANC.

How new Silk Road will cement China as major trading partner for Africa

Asit K. Biswas, National University of Singapore; Cecilia Tortajada, National University of Singapore

The Belt and Road Initiative will not be starting entirely from scratch. China has already invested heavily in several African railways.

Why Zambia has not benefitted from its rosewood trade with China

Paolo Omar Cerutti, Centre for International Forestry Research; Davison Gumbo, Centre for International Forestry Research

Zambia's rosewood forests are being decimated but it's still not reaping the full benefits of exporting the coveted wood to China.

Where Africa fits into China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative

Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science; Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, University of the Witwatersrand

China has launched a quietly aggressive global trade, development and infrastructure initiative based on the ancient Silk Road model. But is Africa welcome on the journey to renewed prosperity?

Race and stereotypes

China, Kenya relations and the question of racial discrimination

Juliet Okoth, University of Nairobi

Kenya has a legal framework that protects its citizens from racism but there are challenges with its implementation

China’s media struggles to overcome stereotypes of Africa

Dani Madrid-Morales, City University of Hong Kong

In China, like in other parts of the world, Africa is routinely treated as a single unit, erasing its linguistic, racial and cultural diversity.

Diplomacy

How media and film can help China grow its soft power in Africa

Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand

Film could benefit China's soft power. It highlights the country's deep pockets and potential for wider audience appeal.

What China’s President Xi’s extended tenure means for Africa

Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs

Now that President Xi Jinping's presidential term has been extended indefinitely, African governments need to plan strategically for their future engagements with the Chinese.

 
 
 
 

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