Sino-African Relations - Criticism

Criticism

Scholars have argued that the PRC's supporting dictatorships in Africa is counter-productive both for long-term Chinese policy towards Africa, and to the African people. The PRC's involvement currently benefits primarily the elites, an opportunistic practice for which it has been criticized by humanitarians and others.

The Zimbabwean example is relevant. Relations between China and Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe have also been the focus of criticism by a few Western countries. China was accused of supplying Zimbabwe with jet fighters, vehicles and other military equipment. China declared in 2007 that it was dropping all kinds of assistance and limiting assistance to humanitarian aid. In July 2008, the Chinese diplomacy asked Mugabe "to behave" though critics see that as a way for China to protect its own interests in this country should a regime change.

However, other scholars argue that China’s increased presence in Africa is triggered by Western ostracism rather than a planned programme of the PRC. Several failures to acquire companies in the Western countries gave China the impression that there was no room for Chinese firms in Western countries. China turned its attention to Africa, after these failures, to gain access to natural resources, increasing the investments and involvement since they realized Africa’s potential as a business partner.