Neocolonialism nonsense
Updated: 2014-05-13 07:23
By Jean-Marc F.Blanchard(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
However, it is abundantly clear from Li's visit to Africa that China is endeavoring to help African countries grow beyond just being resource suppliers. Illustrations include Chinese companies investing in Ethiopia's textile sector, Chinese efforts to support the deve-lopment of an African regional aviation industry, the training of thousands of African professionals, China's investment of more than $3 billion in African manufacturing, and China's construction of infrastructure, which will facilitate non-resource oriented economic activity.
Looking at the issue of Chinese infrastructure locking African countries into the China market, this is not borne out by the diversity of the destinations for the host country's exports and the fact that Chinese-built infrastructure often serves the domestic intra- and inter-city economic needs of host countries as well as regional economic integration. Regarding the nature and quality of Chinese infrastructure, there are problems in a few instances, but the vast majority of infrastructure serves its intended purposes and is substantive, far beyond the construction of presidential palaces and soccer stadiums that critics are fond of highlighting.
Regarding the behavior of Chinese companies in Africa, the need for efficiencies, market access and knowledge, and better local brand images, are driving them to improve their practices. The Chinese government, though, understands this is not enough and it regularly encourages Chinese companies to do more to bolster local employment, respect local laws and the environment, and be good corporate citizens. As for the effect of Chinese activities on good governance in Africa, there is little evidence to support the claim. Good governance is largely dependent on what the local governments and peoples do.
China's involvement in Africa is not the neocolonial assault that critics claim. But as Premier Li has acknowledged there have been some "growing pains". Going forward, the Chinese government will need to continue to find ways to ensure that Chinese companies in Africa not only work well, but also do well. In addition, it will need to continue to be responsive to employment, environment, financial, technological, and requirements of individual African countries and the continent as a whole. This will help to ensure that the China-Africa relationship matures in a healthy direction and yields the win-win results that are so often touted by all.
The author is assistant dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Multinational Corporations.
- Music at her fingers
- Across America Over the Week (Jan 16 - Jan 22)
- Spend Chinese New Year in style
- Ili river valley becomes a popular destination for swans
- Philip Ma: from scientist to businessman
- Birmingham's Spotlight on China dinner
- How to distinguish doucai, wucai, Famille-rose and enamel porcelain
- Xinjiang lake in bumper fishing season
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Premier Li attends Davos Forum |
Li Na expecting first baby |
Star's marriage is 'bittersweet' news for fans |
Infographic:Chinese IPOs in the US in 2014 |
Tale of two cities |
China's 2014 diplomacy |
Today's Top News
Houston's SW Chinatown
China to focus on reforms, opening of capital market
Slowdown brings new risks to banks
Trade group calls for BIT
Market status for China is 'political' issue
Birmingham's Spotlight on China dinner
Bank takes renminbi-clearing seriously
Traditional Garb
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |