Sino-African Relations
Africa–China relations refers to the historical, political, economic, military, social and cultural connections between China and the African continent.
Little is known about ancient relations between China and the African continent, though there is some evidence of early trade connections. Highlights of medieval contacts were the 14th century journey of Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan scholar and traveler, to parts of China; the visit of Sa'id of Mogadishu, the Somali scholar and explorer to China; and the Ming Dynasty voyages of Chinese admiral Zheng He and his fleet, which rounded the coast of Somalia and followed the coast down to the Mozambique Channel.
Modern political and economic relations commenced in the era of Mao Zedong, the first leader of the Chinese Communist Party, following the Chinese Civil War. Starting in the 21st century, the modern state of the People's Republic of China has built increasingly strong economic ties with Africa. In August 2007, it was estimated that there were more than 750,000 Chinese nationals working in different African countries. By 2013, the Economist wrote that over one million Chinese citizens were residing in Africa. By comparison, it has been estimated that 20,000 Africans are working in China.
Trade between China and Africa increased by 700% during the 1990s, and China is currently Africa's largest trading partner. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in October 2000 as an official forum to strengthen the relationship. A few Western countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, have raised concerns over the political, economic and military roles China is playing in the African continent.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes China's developmental aid to Africa, while also stating that China and Africa are making "joint efforts to maintain the lawful rights of developing countries and push forward the creation of a new, fair and just political and economic order in the world".
Read more about Sino-African Relations: Historical Relations, Contemporary Relations, Criticism, Comparison, See Also, References
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