China is thirsty for Africa’s oil and mineral wealth. In exchange, the continent gets infrastructure and aid. Along with China’s enhanced investment in Africa comes increasing influence. While China feeds its growing hunger for Africa’s natural resources, the continent is becoming flush with roads, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other major works projects it desperately … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2014
Unpacking China’s Resource Diplomacy in Africa
Ian Taylor “Yellow cat, black cat, as long as it catches mice, it is a good cat.” Deng Xiaoping (circa 1962) This article seeks to specifically focus on and explore a key facet of China’s interest in Africa’s resources – oil. In doing so, some of the main implications for Africa and for the West of China’s oil diplomacy are unpacked and discussed. It is argued that … [Read more...]
A Marriage Arranged in Heaven?
Didrik Schanche The relationship between Sudan and China is widely believed to be a marriage anointed in oil: China needs it and Sudan has it, and the two have been in business for years. But the Sudanese say their bond with China runs deeper than any oil well and goes back more than 100 years — to a man who proved the adage "the enemy of my enemy is my … [Read more...]