China’s New Role in Africa and the South

A Search for a New Perspective

Edited by Dorothy Guerrero, Firoze Manji

China’s global expansion is much talked about, but usually from the viewpoint of the West. This unique collection of essays, written by scholars and activists from China and the global South, provides diverse views on the challenges faced by Africa, Latin America and Asia as a result of China’s rise as a significant global economic power. Chinese aid, trade and investments – driven by the needs of its own economy – present both threats and opportunities for the South, requiring a nuanced analysis that goes beyond simplistic caricatures of ‘good’ and ‘evil’.

Arising from a conference held in Shanghai in May 2007, when the African Development Bank was also meeting in the city, this book provides a fresh perspective that focuses on the economic, social and environmental impact of China’s expansion. It represents the first attempt to establish a dialogue between civil society in China and the global south.

The contributors include Dorothy-Grace Guerrero, Walden Bello, Luk Tak Chuen, Shalmali Guttal, Yu Xiaogang, Ding Pin, Xu Weizhong, Dot Keet, Barry Sautman, Yan Hairong, Lucy Corkin, Ali Askouri, Yuza Maw Htoon, Khin Zaw Win, Alexandre de Freitas Barbosa, Fu Tao and Peter Bosshard.

Contents

Acknowledgements
About the contributors
Introduction: China’s new role in Africa and the South
Dorothy-Grace Guerrero and Firoze Manji
Chain-gang economics: China, the US, and the global economy
Walden Bello
Regulating China? Regulating globalisation?
Luk Tak Chuen
Client and competitor: China and international financial institutions
Shalmali Guttal
The Equator Principles and the environmental responsibilities
of the financial industry in China
Yu Xiaogang and Ding Pin
Sino-African relations: new transformations and challenges
Xu Weizhong
The role and impact of Chinese economic operations in Africa
Dot Keet
Friends and interests: China’s distinctive links with Africa
Barry Sautman and Yan Hairong
China’s strategic infrastructural investments in Africa
Lucy Corkin
Civil society initiative in Africa
Ali Askouri
China’s interest in Angola’s construction and infrastructure sectors
Lucy Corkin
China’s rise and increasing role in Asia
Dorothy-Grace Guerrero
Expediency and interests in contemporary China–Myanmar relations
Yuza Maw Htoon and Khin Zaw Win
China and Latin America: strategic partnering or latter-day
imperialism?
Alexandre de Freitas Barbosa
The position of civil society organisations in China today
Fu Tao
No harmonious global society without civil society
Peter Bosshard
Index 2

About the Authors

Dorothy-Grace Guerrero is a senior research associate with Focus on the
Global South and heads its China programme.
 

Firoze Manji, a Kenyan, is founder and executive director of Fahamu and editor of Pambazuka News. He has formerly worked as programme director for the International Secretariat of Amnesty International, CEO for the Aga Khan Foundation UK, and regional representative for health for IDRC’s office for Eastern and Southern Africa.