Is China’s Interest in Africa Good or Bad for the Continent?

 

Many people still view China as a place full of factories with millions upon millions of people working for extremely low wages and producing counterfeit or low quality merchandise to be distributed throughout the world. 

Over the course of the past decade, China has geared its efforts towards reestablishing itself as an economic global superpower.  Currently China has the 3rd largest economy in the world if you include the European Union.  It is second only to the United States if you exclude the European Union.  China has about 1.3 billion residents which places them as the most populous nation in the world.

As early as the late 90’s China has targeted the African continent as a place of significant economic interest.   If anyone thinks that the days of colonial control of Africa is a thing of the past, need to think again. 

China’s quest to acquire Africa’s natural resources is being conducted on a monumental scale.  In the last decade, China has become the most aggressive outside nation operating in Africa regarding her resources.  This commercial endeavor is one of the most important issues concerning the continent of Africa since the end of the World War II.

Throughout world history, Africa and its inhabitants have been exploited and used by people outside of the continent.  The continent of Africa is in such disarray that it is quite easy for any foreign nation with some money to get a foot-hole in many of the under-developed nations on the continent.  Currently Africa is open to the highest bidder, and right now, that seems to be China.  She is negotiating deals for resources such as iron, oil, zinc, and whatever of value that she can get her hands on.  China’s goal is not to cultivate democracy in Africa.  Its goal is to get what it can with no regard for the suffering of the people of the continent.  As of 2009, there is more Chinese living in Nigeria than there were Britons during the pinnacle of the British Empire. 

While most other democratic and developed nations monitor the status of Africa from afar, the Peoples Republic of China, with money from state cash are making deals in Africa at an alarming rate.  The Chinese government is seeking to secure exclusive access to Africa’s natural resources by using aggressive political maneuvers to align itself with the tyrants and despots of Africa.  These despots and tyrants are the most destructive forces in Africa today and a major reason for the lack of political, economic and social progress on the continent.

The following excerpt offers an interesting viewpoint regarding the African people of the continent of Africa and African Americans:

 

“We (African Americans) need to reconnect with Africa. We need to reach out to African nations to form partnerships with the African continent with regard to economics, political stability, and social progress in Africa. The business opportunities that can be cultivated between African Americans and African nations will provide tremendous economic opportunity for both parties. We also need to use this opportunity to assist African nations in establishing stable, uncorrupt, democratic governments. We need to actively foster African governments that will focus on uplifting their people, not governments that create division, hostilities, and economic suffering. We can help African nations economically, politically, and socially. In return, African nations can help us by sharing and teaching us about our ancestors’ indigenous culture, customs, and religions. Establishing mutually beneficial relations with African nations should be a goal for all descendants of African slaves.”

            Excerpt from “The Black-Print” Black America’s Blueprint for Achieving Wealth, Prosperity and Respect - By Malik Green.  www.outskirtspress.com/theblackprint