Articles · Vol. 12 No. 2 (2011): Identity, Culture and Politics: An Afro - Asian dialogue

1 - How China’s “ Trade Not Aid ” Strategy Became Construed As Charitable Help : Deconstructing the “ Touching ” Idyll of Li Li’s Investment in Africa

Vol. 12 · 2011 No. 2 Identity, Culture and Politics: An Afro - Asian dialogue ICP

Abstract

In recent years, China has increased investments in Africa and its “Trade Not Aid” model appears to be the best delivery of sustainable assistance. By reviewing the history of Chinese aid to Africa, examining race-relations literature, and deconstructing contemporary models of aid, the author argues that, at least in terms of agricultural endeavors, China’s current approach resembles the colonialism that it once sought to disassemble.

Keywords

China Trade Aid Strategy Construed Deconstructing Touching Idyll Investment Africa

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References

  1. See in Dambisa Moyo, Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009).
  2. Ibid, pp. 98-113.
  3. This paper is based on a 42-min interview that was broadcasted on November 7, 2004 by “Chinatown”—a program by Phoenix TV. An incomplete but similar written version of this interview can be seen at http://www.xiaoshuo.com/readbook/00162763_23076.html (accessed September 22, 2010).
  4. Deborah Brautigam, The Dragon’s Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa (Oxford University Press, 2009), p. 254.
  5. Serge Michel and Michel Beuret: China Safari: On the Trail of Beijing’s Expansion in Africa (New York: Nation Books, 2009), p. 18.
  6. See the English version from PRC Foreign Ministry website: http://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/ziliao/3602/3604/t18001.htm (accessed September 22, 2010)
  7. Maxwell Owusu, “Agriculture and Rural Development since 1935”, in Ali Mazrui (ed.), Africa since 1935 (UNESCO, 1999), p. 317.
  8. K. Y. Amoako, Transforming Africa: An Agenda for Action (United Nations Publications, 2005), p.39. Amoako was the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa from 1995 to 2005. He says around a third of African population suffered from malnutrition—exactly the same figure as it was 30 years ago, though 100 million more in terms of the number of people.
  9. See Yuan Wu, China and Africa (Beijing: China Intercontinental Press, 2008), p. 57, and Yun Wenju, “Cong Yuanzhu Dao Hezuo Kaifa” (From Assistance to Cooperative Exploration), in Zhongguo Yu Feizhou (China and Africa) (Peking University Press, 2000), p 303.
  10. See in PRC Foreign Ministry Dangdai Zhongguo Shijie Waijiao Shenya Editorial Board, Dangdai Zhongguo Shijie Waijiao Shenya (Lives of Contemporary Chinese Diplomats) (Beijing: Shijie Zhishi, 1995), vol 5, p.394.
  11. Yun Wenju, 306.
  12. Guo Jinan and Wu Jun, Chushi Feizhou De Suiyue (Years of Diplomatic Posts in Africa) (Sichuan Publishing Group, 2006), p. 73.
  13. PRC Foreign Ministry Dangdai Zhongguo Shijie Waijiao Shenya Editorial Board, Dangdai Zhongguo Shijie Waijiao Shenya, vol 3, p.73.
  14. Shi Mingyuan, “Qianpao Hongming Ban Qinlu” (Bombing Melody) in Wang Yi (ed), Zhanhuozhong de Zhongguo Waijiaoguan (Chinese Diplomats in Wars) (Beijing: Shijie Zhishi, 1999), p.200.
  15. Brautigam 232-233.
  16. Tian Ye, “Zhongguo Keji Fazhan Huiji Feizhou Guojia” (Chinese techniques benefit Africa) (http://big5.xinhuanet.com/gate/big5/news.xinhuanet.com/world/2008-11/30/content_10434618.htm, accessed September 22, 2010) and Godwin Muhwezi-Bonge, “Uganda: Country’s Bet on Rice Begins to Payoff” ( http://allafrica.com/stories/200810280325.html, accessed September 22, 2010)
  17. Yuan Wu, p. 59.
  18. Wang Yizhou, Zhongguo Duiwai Guanxi Zhuanxin Sanshinian (Transformation of Foreign Affairs and International Relations in China, 1978-2008) (Beijing: Social Sciences Academic Press, 2008), p. 143.
  19. Ibid, p. 150

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