China understands that Africa is not a country – Conference @ IESE, Maputo, Mozambique

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China understands that Africa is not a country – Conference @ IESE, Maputo, Mozambique

7:15 CAT | 09 Dec 2015

Lusa

As the Asian power seems to put itself forward as an alternative to the West, China is ready to understand that Africa is not a single country, commentators at a conference in Maputo on Sino-African relations have said.

“China is beginning to show that it is ready to understand that Africa is not one country, but that it is a diversified world, and one with space for investment,” researcher Elling Tjonneland from the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) told Lusa at the conference on the Chinese presence in Africa organized by the Institute of Social and Economic Studies (IESE) in Maputo.

For Tjonneland, the Beijing government’s recent announcement of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC), providing about US$60 billion (EUR 55 billion) in assistance and loans to African countries, reveals an interest on the part of Asian power in strengthening relations with African countries.

“China is undoubtedly a new alternative for African countries, an alternative to the monopoly of the West,” said Tjonneland, adding that the fact that the Chinese government does not get involved in domestic political affairs is a strong attraction.

In addition to economic support and partnerships, China has provided scholarships to students from African countries, indicating that it is prepared to exchange scientific knowledge as well.

Although the Chinese presence is increasingly clear in Africa, with over 1.5 million Chinese estimated to be living on the continent, China is often associated with negativities such as the mistreatment of workers and non-compliance with labour standards.

Li Anshan, a professor at Peking University, in turn, admitted the existence of this problem to Lusa, though advising against generalisation.

“China has no history of colonization,” Li Anshan said, adding that this is the ideal time for Chinese companies to invest in Mozambique, giving African countries more alternatives in the international market.

For the IESE’s Sergio Chichava, the Chinese presence in Africa is a great opportunity and it is up to African authorities to design policies that safeguard their own interests.

“For example, in Mozambique, the most important is the fact that national political elites do not adopt policies for the benefit of part of the population,” he said, noting that the main criticism of the Chinese presence in Africa is made by the West, which feels threatened with the expansion of the “Asian tiger’s” presence in Africa.

“All the countries here have interests, as has China,” he said, adding that the most important thing is that Mozambique ensures that relations with the Beijing government benefit both sides.

The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, announced at FOCAC last week in Sandton, Johannesburg, that China will provide US$60 billion (EUR55 billion) in assistance and loans to African countries.

“China has decided to provide a total of US$60 billion in support funds, including US$5 billion in interest-free loans and US$35 billion for concessionary loans and credits for exports on preferential terms,” said Xi.

China became Africa’s main trading partner in 2009, testament to the country’s huge appetite for raw materials.

In June, Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce, Gao Yan, announced US$5 billion’s worth (EUR4.4 billion) of Chinese investment in Mozambique over the next years.

Source: Lusa