Description
Exposing the Dragon China is charting a course to be the world’s next superpower and this course takes it right through the continent of Africa. Over the past 20 years China has increased its involvement in Africa at an astounding rate and, according to a recent Pew Research survey, the people in Africa almost universally view China’s influence as having a more beneficial impact on African countries than that of the United States. China has accomplished this by designing an aggressive African policy that is based in self-interest, but wrapped in false premises and empty slogans. China needs Africa for three critical purposes. First, China needs support internationally, especially in international organizations, and African nations can provide this support. Second, China’s economy needs to secure energy sources and raw materials in order to sustain its growth and Africa is rich in both energy sources and raw materials. Finally, China’s economy needs markets to sell its products and Africa can provide these markets. In order to meet these strategic goals, China implemented three main policy initiatives. First, China builds a strong identity with Africa by claiming that it too is a fellow developing nation who was subjected to the humiliation of being controlled by outside powers. China pushes this identity by supporting African nations in international forums whenever it can; China wants to not only identify with African nations, it wants to be seen as the leader of these developing nations. Second, China is very aggressive with trade and investment, constantly looking for ways to gain a foothold in a country. Finally, China is increasing its aid to Africa, attempting to build up its good will. Underscoring these initiatives is China’s proclamation that if China gets involved with an African country, then China will not interfere in the internal affairs of that country. In other words, China is saying they will deal with any country and that nothing they do wil have
