CHINA-AFRICA RELATIONSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP

Abstract

When people hear the name “China”, it reminds them of different things. It reminds people of the
largest nation in the world, the second largest economy, communist country, made-in-China
products, and other things. China means different things to different people. To the United States
and some European nations, China is a competitor and an enemy; but to the African people, China
is a partner and friend. China has been a friend of Africa for many years. China has helped African
nations during colonial era, during the struggle for independence, and after independence. Despite
the China’s aids and assistance to the African nations, some Africans still doubt China’s sincerity
of friendship. To make the matter worse, the United States and some European nations accuse
China of imperialism and neo-colonialism.  The Chinese leadership has defended that China-
Africa relationship is born out of historical friendship, equality, common development, mutual
support, and mutually beneficial cooperation. This work attempts to clear the doubts in the minds
of some Africans on the sincerity of China’s friendship with Africa and tries to debunk the
accusation of China’s imperialism and neo-colonialism in Africa. The work concludes that China
is a good friend of Africa with many evidences of helps from China and testimonies from some
African leaders.