CHINA: The New Imperialists & Neo- Colonialists in Africa?
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In 1873 Sir Francis Galton, cousin of Charles Darwin proposed to "make the encouragement of Chinese settlements of Africa a part of our national policy, in the belief that the Chinese immigration would not only maintain their position, but they would multiply and their descendants supplant their inferior Negro race." Galton concluded, "the history of the world tells the tale of the continual displacement of populations, each by a worthier successor, and humanity gains thereby." In the light of the huge influx of Chinese to Africa in recent years, the author seeks to find out whether Sir Francis Galton's prophecy is coming to pass. Furthermore the book seeks to decipher whether the Chinese are in Africa to help lift Africans out of poverty or they are there to exploit the super-abundant raw materials, and dump their substandard manufactured products on the growing African markets to make huge profits at the expense of the unsuspecting Africans. Finally, the author argues that despite the impressive achievement of the Beijing Consensus in lifting millions out of poverty in China,it is not the way forward for African progress because it is undemocratic and abusive of its citizens. The author concludes that it is only through the Washington Consensus with its mature tradition of democratic governance,, and the history of liberty, which respect the sanctity of human life can Africa attempt to solve her hydra- headed problems.
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About the Book
Chinese generally look condescendingly on the humanity of black Africans, but over the past decades there have been a huge influx of Chinese on the African continent. What is driving the Chinese to the African continent? Are the Chinese in Africa to help Africa develop in their so-called “win-win, or south-south”development method? Or are the Chinese in Africa to exploit the huge super abundant raw materials and mineral resources to fuel their expanding industries?It is true that the Chinese are currently building monumental stadiums, presidential palaces, conference halls,but as much as Africans are grateful for these they do not represent economic progress for Africa. What we see though is Chinese offering huge loans to African nations in return for their raw materials. Ironically, most of the loans end up in the hands of Chinese contractors undertaking the construction projects, Chinese labor working in the projects, and Chinese materials and products used in the projects. In the end African governments are left holding the bag of huge repayments back to China. Moreover, some, if not, many of the infrastructure are often shoddy as the case of Angolan hospital, and many roads in Africa have demonstrated. Additionally, Chinese also support African dictators like Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Omar Bashir of Sudan, Santos of Angola and many others with deadly weaponry to oppress African citizens. Finally, the Beijing Consensus though has helped lift many Chinese out of poverty cannot be replicated in Africa, because of its authoritarian nature.
About the Author
Kwame A. Insaidoo was born in Ghana. He received his early education from Akwasiho Presbyterian Middle School, Fijai and Aggrey Memorial Secondary schools. While at the University of Ghana, he was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Missouri State University,where he was elected President of Association of International Students. In 1979 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics and attended graduate school at New York University where he received his Master's degree in International Relations in 1988. kwame has written numerous articles and books on Africa politics.