Between Contradiction and Co-operation: An Analysis of China’s Evolving Engagement with Africa

Following the 1955 Bandung conference, China has been strengthening its links with countries in the developing world, and more specifically, with African countries. China’s African foreign policy framework has rapidly advanced over the last 20 years. It is motivated by political, strategic and economic necessities, which not only create ample opportunities for Africa’s development, but also pose severe challenges for the continent. The dichotomy between the ideals expressed in China’s African policy framework and the realisation thereof in Africa, becomes evident when analysing a number of key issues (including aid, trade, investment, security and governance) that constitute both the overarching China–Africa agenda and the bilateral agendas between China and a number of individual African states. The time has come for Africa to play a much more active role in shaping and directing this relationship in order to address the current challenges. If African states individually, and Africa as a whole, can succeed in doing this, then the engagement with China will be increasingly advantageous for the African continent.