China’s Conquest of Africa

China is purchasing and investing in Africa’s natural resources and, in return, providing the continent with cheap consumer goods and a powerful trading partner. Not all Africans are pleased. Some, such as Michael Chilufya Sata, head of Zambia’s Patriotic Front, an opposition group, points out that the Chinese don’t have to pay taxes and warns voters that China could export dictatorship to Africa and exploit the masses. He expresses preference for Western developers who emphasize human rights and offer less frenetic versions of trade and development. China denies that it intends to exploit the continent. President Hu Jintao makes frequent visits to the continent and last summer invited 53 African heads of state to attend China’s largest international conference. China’s interest in Africa is obvious: The Gulf of Guinea has vast oil reserves, and Zambian mines are rich in copper. Chinese immigrants also enjoy the opportunities in agriculture – and higher wages. Analysts predict that, if Africa can sell its resources for a fair price, investing the profits wisely, then the continent could emerge stronger, both economically and politically. Such a development would put an end to claims of globalization bypassing Africa. – YaleGlobal