What to Read on Africa-China Relations

Nov 17, 2018

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and China's President Xi Jinping co-chairing the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held last September in Beijing.GCIS

Sino-African relations have waxed stronger in recent years, developing from political engagement in the 1960s to trade, economic relations, and technological exchanges today. There are currently more person-to-person contacts between Chinese and African people than at any point in history. As expected, China’s emergence as the top investor, business and development partner in Africa has garnered controversy globally.

More African countries attended the recently concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September than the 73rd UN General Assembly, showing how important Sino-African relations have become. For some observers, China represents hope for Africa’s industrialization and development, whereas, for others, China’s hunger for raw materials and debt diplomacy are the newest iteration of neo-colonialism. However, how much of these sentiments is rhetoric? Is there empirical evidence behind the hopes and fears? What are the implications of Sino-African relations?

The field of Sino-African studies is growing, and Sino-African scholars look to answer the foregoing questions on the complex nature of the relationship between Africa and China. The following texts from experts and emerging scholars in the field of China-Africa studies can help us understand the dynamics of Sino-African contact, whether it be through forums like FOCAC, in migrant communities in Guangzhou, or the operations of Chinese businesses in Tanzania, from an interdisciplinary and critical point of view.

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About the Author

Oreva Olakpe

holds a PhD in Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

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What to Read on Africa-China Relations