Publication

Many of the fears about Chinese aid and engagement in Africa are misinformed. This paper unpacks seven myths: (1) China is a newcomer to Africa; (2) China targets pariah regimes; (3) China hurts the West's efforts to build democracy; (4) Chinese aid is huge; (5) Chinese aid is mainly used to win access to resources; (6) China is sending millions of farmers to Africa, leading the land grab; and (7) Chinese companies bring in all their own workers. While China's rise in Africa is cause for some concern, efforts to gain a more realistic picture should help Africans and their other development partners to craft appropriate responses.