China and Africa

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.

Autorentext

David H. Shinn and Joshua Eisenman

Inhalt

Foreword by George T. Yu

1. Introduction
2. A Historical Overview of China-Africa Relations
3. Political Relations
4. Trade Relations
5. Investment and Assistance
6. Military and Security Ties and Peacekeeping Missions
7. Media, Education, and Cultural Relations and Ties with Chinese Communities in Africa
8. China's Relations with North Africa and the Sahel
9. China's Relations with East Africa, the Horn, and the Indian Ocean Islands
10. China's Relations with West and Central Africa
11. China's Relations with Southern Africa
12. Conclusion: Looking Forward

Appendix 1. Establishment of PRC Relations with African Countries
Appendix 2. Trade Between Africa and China, 1938-2010
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments