IPCS, Oct 09: The Dragon on Safari: China’s Africa Policy
In contrast to the political and military militancy of the 1970s, China’s current engagement with Africa should be viewed within the context of globalization in the aftermath of the Cold War. This new relationship is voluntarily focused on economic and technological cooperation for the sake of development. In fact, the current emphasis of China’s Africa policy is based on the classical foundations of what is described as a tripod of historical legitimacies, namely:
  • Historical links to liberation movements (historical legitimacy)

  • A Third World ideological heritage dating back to the Cold War (ideological legitimacy)

  • An evolving partnership based on principles of non-interference and neutrality (political legitimacy)