Economic Statecraft: China in Africa.

摘要

This article peers through the public veneer of state visits and ministerial meetings to examine China's influence in Africa through trade, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Official Development Assistance. It argues that successful economic statecraft by China does not threaten any vital American interests, and the United States has several possible responses. Many assess that the increase of China's trade, investment, and developmental assistance from 2000 to 2010 as a means to secure an economic and political advantage in Africa. While Beijing's economic statecraft may undermine U.S. efforts to reform African governance and economics, these effects are incidental. However, Africa would do well to evaluate and balance the long-term costs with the short-term benefits of Chinese aid and investment. Recognizing that China's economic statecraft in Africa does not threaten vital U.S. interests, America should adopt an accommodating posture toward Beijing's involvement there. As part of its overall rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific, Washington should intensify efforts to increase Beijing's participation in institutions to maintain the global international economic system which facilitates U.S. strength. Simultaneously, the United States should review its approach in Africa to find alternative ways to advance its interests and mitigate the risk to African development inherent in the Chinese approach.