China’s economic expansion in recent years is one of the most important geopoliticaldevelopments of the 21st century (Mockli, 2007). More interestingly, Africa relations withChina continue to be of keen concern to many, precisely because these two countries have beenhumiliated severely during the years of colonialism. This study examines, to the extentpossible, Chinese changing foreign policy and resource diplomacy towards Africa, usingNigeria as a case study specifically looking at socio–economic issues. The study uses theHegemonic Stability Theory as a framework of analysis. While the method of data collectionis premised on existing qualitative and quantitative analysis on Africa–China relations, faceto-face interviews and one telephonic interview with an expert on Africa–China relations wereconducted as a method of gathering new data. The present study, finds that China’s economicexpansion can be detrimental to Africa in many ways. For instance, China continues to exportto Africa cheap manufactured goods, while extracting raw materials to fuel its ownindustrialization. This situation works against intra–Africa trade, which could potentiallyaddress the socio–economic issues facing the continent. However, to maintain its resourcesupply and stable market, China’s foreign policy of ‘non–interference’ has changedsignificantly, particularly towards Africa. For example, China recently opened its first militarybase in Africa. This study argues that, because of the above mentioned arguments, therepercussions of the Africa–China relations could be dangerous for Africa since the continentis not really benefiting from these dealings. Furthermore, this study notes that China iscontributing negatively towards the socio–economic development of Nigeria, despite the factthat it provides Nigeria with aid and loans, primarily for infrastructure projects.
展开▼
