China Defies Africa Policy Critics
By Bernt Berger for ISN
Analysts usually draw attention to the downsides of Beijing’s engagement in Africa. Yet, this critical stance, especially promoted inside Europe, has neither stopped China from achieving its goals nor constructively added more successful development policies than what the country has already established on the continent.
The latest bone of contention is a resource and infrastructure deal by a Hong Kong-based investment company with Guinea, the world’s biggest bauxite exporter. A military junta assumed power in the West African nation after a coup d’etat in 2008 and triggered international dismay after numerous civilians were killed.
During the fourth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Sharm el Sheik in November, Beijing was once more criticized for its unfettered dealing with all African governments and lack of political conditions.
Yet, Beijing’s level of involvement in the Guinea deal is questionable, and so far, neither Washington nor Brussels have sanctioned exports from Guinea. China is only Guinea’s seventh biggest export partner and leading import-partner.
In this light, Chinese and African analysts increasingly regard the motives of criticism as dubious.
During the past three years, China has continued its learning-by-doing approach to the African continent and adapted policies to the situation in individual countries. While preparing the FOCAC summit, Beijing not only tried to limit international attention but also reacted to previously made mistakes on the continent.
In contrast to the 2006 landmark FOCAC Summit in Beijing, China’s press organs maintained a low profile. Yet, the figures hint at new superlatives including $10 billion in concessional loans to African countries.
New items on the agenda were local business development, cross-sector capacity building and environmental issues.
Loans totalling $1 billion were provided for the promotion of small- and medium-sized African companies. In the past, China was criticized for the cut-throat competition of its entrepreneurs, who displaced their African counterparts.
As a reaction to lacking environmental standards among Chinese companies, Beijing has adopted various countermeasures. Companies who invest abroad are obligated to adhere to local environmental standards or Chinese laws where local ones are nonexistent. During the FOCAC summit, Beijing committed itself to establishing 100 clean energy projects, including bio-gas, solar and hydro-power.
Poor labor standards and lacking local ownership in development are the most difficult challenges for Beijing. Influence on private Chinese enterprises is limited. Yet, capacity-building has gained greater attention in Beijing’s action plan. China not only needs skilled project partners but also intellectual support for formulating better cooperation policies on both sides.
Although the declarations of intent are no guarantee for effective implementation, Beijing’s dedication to develop successful African policies is beyond question.
While the EU has formulated a cooperative development policy toward Africa that includes China, opinion leaders’ and critical analysts’ attitude toward the China-African relationship is endangering Europe’s influence on the continent.
China is by no means an altruistic actor, and the downsides of its engagement such as increased arms trade and support of governments of concern are conspicuous. But Beijing has also provided a wide range of opportunities.
The country enjoys a high confidence rating in South-South relations and has developed its own foreign policy outfit that some observers have identified as a tributary system – a symbolic conduct in international relations whereupon trading privileges are granted in return for long-term fealty. The ongoing criticism toward China has led to an increased polarisation on African affairs, which is taking root among policymakers on the continent.
If Europe does not want to play a limited role in Africa it needs to adapt to existing trends. Harnessing China’s investment-aid mix for sustainable and balanced development strategies in African countries would help to increase Europe's credibility on the continent.