OP-ED: China in Africa: Soft power, hard results, By Loro Horta, The Daily Star, November 16, 2009
Great summary of China's impact on Africa to date, and the growing friction from below:
Building upon interviews from a broad range of Africans, it is shown that elites generally favor China's presence in the region while the lower classes do not. Much of the local disapproval results from Chinese companies using limited amounts of domestic labor - particularly in relation to Western companies - as well as the flood of sometimes illegal Chinese immigrants to Africa selling cheap goods. Environmental degradation caused by Chinese companies is also an issue. Importantly, such divided opinions on China's presence in Africa, if not addressed, could have a detrimental effect on what could be a positive relationship - China has been investing in infrastructure in the region, while the West has not.
About as accurately succinct as you can get: Overall good impact--just not good enough.
(Via WPR's Media Roundup)
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Comments (1)
“They say China is a great power just like America. But what kind of great power sends thousands of people to a poor country like ours to sell cakes on the street and take the jobs of our own street sellers who are already so poor?
Ouch.
As much as I wish it were otherwise, China is nowhere near a power of the same league as the US. People in China recognise that as well as the government. We can't assume responsibility for "nation-building" abroad when we haven't finished nation building at home.
Posted by Guest469 | November 27, 2009 5:40 PM