48 AU PARTNERSHIPS
interfering with the internal affairs of African countries, resonates with the AU. China’s stated position of “supporting African countries in exploring proper social systems and models of development that are suitable to their own conditions” resonates even more. The fact that China is willing to share its experiences in development, while not imposing its ideology and political system on Africa, is an essential ingredient for a positive relationship, from the perspective of African leaders and the AU. In the realm of diplomatic
relations, China interacts with African
76 affirmative votes. Africans, for their part, equally appreciate the support that China gave them during their struggles for independence. In the realm of economic relations,
China’s reluctance to paternalistically call itself a donor to African countries, and instead to define its role as a partner in Sino-African economic cooperation, is a welcome paradigm shift. China’s belief that its economic relations with Africa are not a one-way handout, but rather a mutually beneficial endeavor on a reciprocal basis within the framework of the ‘South-South’ cooperation, elevates the stature of Africa. Furthermore,
China’s belief that its relations with Africa are not a one-way handout, but a mutually beneficial endeavor, elevates the stature of Africa
countries on an equal footing, and China and Africa support each other on major international issues. China is grateful to Africa for its support on issues involving China’s core interests, such as China’s peaceful reunification with Taiwan and national security. Importantly, the late Chinese leader, Chairman Mao Tse-tung, said: “It was our African brothers who carried China on their shoulders into the United Nations.” Mao was referring to the event when China resumed its legitimate seat in the UN in 1971 with the support of 26 African countries out of the total of
INVEST IN AFRICA 2011
China’s stated position that there should be homegrown solutions, and that there is no ‘one-size- fits-all’ approach to Africa – given that each country has a different level of development, historical background, ethnic structure, and political reality – comes at the right time in Africa’s history to strike perhaps the loudest chord of resonance of all. It also
strikes at the heart of something that many fail to acknowledge at the trade and development table, which is that feelings, and style of engagement, matter. As China builds the AU’s home
in Addis Ababa, it is cementing the relationship between the two. In an interview with Xinhua, China’s state news agency, during the early stages of construction, Zeng Huacheng, China’s ‘special representative’ on the ground at East Africa’s most noteworthy construction site, described the AU building project as “a perfect embodiment of the friendship between
China and Africa, as well as a major milestone marking the new Sino-African strategic partnership”. If the building were to be a pyramid, at its top would be the relationship between African leaders, the AU, and the leaders of China. From that vantage point, all is well. But at the base of that pyramid, where the ordinary African people live, the foundations need shoring up.
Unequal competition When Chinese private actors move into African marketplaces, local business finds it almost impossible to compete. Poor, under-resourced African firms are no match for Chinese competitors. When Chinese private firms are willing to engage in low levels of commerce all the way down to selling food on the side of the road, competing with poor African women who are relying on the income they derive from such marginal economic activity to help pay for their children’s school uniforms, it is not China’s fault. Arguably, however, it is China’s
problem, and a problem for Africa’s leaders. The people at the base of the pyramid need to understand and appreciate the new engagement with China, and all that comes with it. As the AU has shifted focus from
supporting liberation movements to an organization spearheading Africa’s development and integration, and as a full member of FOCAC, it is increasingly being called upon to leverage its relationship with China to help ensure that all the people of the continent, including African small businesses, benefit from China’s engagement there. n
Dr Sharon T Freeman is an economic development specialist. She has worked in more than 100 countries including 40 in Africa, and is an advisor to US government agencies involved in trade
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