China's Relations with Africa: A New Era of Strategic Engagement

Since Xi Jinping's accession to power in 2012, China's relations with Africa have grown significantly, with Beijing increasing its resource allocation, military cooperation, technological investment, educational and cultural programs, and political influence. This book examines the full scope of contemporary political and security relations between China and Africa, arguing that Chinese leaders' priorities have elevated Africa's importance among policy makers in Beijing. It marshals extensive and compelling qualitative and quantitative evidence of the deepening ties between China and Africa, considering the future of the relationship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Since Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, China's relations with Africa have undergone a significant transformation. Beijing has increased its resource allocation to African countries, expanding military cooperation, technological investment, educational and cultural programs, and extending its political influence. This comprehensive book explores the multifaceted political and security relations between China and Africa. David H. Shinn and Joshua Eisenman delve into the specific tactics and methods employed by Beijing to establish strategic partnerships with African political and military elites. They contextualize these relations within China's broader geostrategic objectives, highlighting the priorities of Chinese leaders, such as the conflation of threats to the Communist Party with national security, the growing emphasis on relations in the Global South, and the desire to counter U.S. hegemony.

The book spans a wide range of areas, including diplomacy, propaganda, arms sales, space cooperation, and the increasing presence of the People's Liberation Army Navy in African ports. It relies on extensive qualitative and quantitative evidence, drawn from two decades of systematic data and hundreds of surveys and in-person interviews. Shinn and Eisenman provide a fresh perspective on the current state of China-Africa relations and offer insights into the potential future trajectory of these ties.

One of the key findings of the book is the growing importance of Africa in Beijing's foreign policy. The authors argue that Chinese leaders view Africa as a strategic partner in countering U.S. influence and promoting China's global interests. This is evident in the increasing number of high-level visits between Chinese and African leaders, the expansion of economic and trade relations, and the increasing involvement of Chinese companies in African infrastructure projects.

The book also explores the challenges and opportunities that China-Africa relations present. On the one hand, the deepening ties have brought about economic benefits for both countries, including increased investment, trade, and job opportunities. On the other hand, there are concerns about Chinese investment in African infrastructure, which may lead to debt traps, environmental degradation, and political instability. Additionally, there are questions about China's political influence in Africa, particularly in the context of regional security and governance.

The authors argue that the future of China-Africa relations will be shaped by a range of factors, including the evolving global political landscape, China's domestic economic and social development, and the interests of African countries. They suggest that China will continue to prioritize its relations with Africa, but that it will also be increasingly sensitive to the concerns and priorities of African countries.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of China-Africa relations. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the complex dynamics that shape these relations, shedding light on the strategies and tactics employed by Beijing and the broader geopolitical context in which they operate. The book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving relationship between China and Africa.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231210010