China's changing foreign policy and resource diplomacy towards Africa : the role of China in the socio-economic development of Nigeria
Msimango, Nkanyezi
China’s economic expansion in recent years is one of the most important geopolitical
developments of the 21st century (Mockli, 2007). More interestingly, Africa relations with
China continue to be of keen concern to many, precisely because these two countries have been
humiliated severely during the years of colonialism. This study examines, to the extent
possible, Chinese changing foreign policy and resource diplomacy towards Africa, using
Nigeria as a case study specifically looking at socio–economic issues. The study uses the
Hegemonic Stability Theory as a framework of analysis. While the method of data collection
is 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 were
conducted as a method of gathering new data. The present study, finds that China’s economic
expansion can be detrimental to Africa in many ways. For instance, China continues to export
to Africa cheap manufactured goods, while extracting raw materials to fuel its own
industrialization. This situation works against intra–Africa trade, which could potentially
address the socio–economic issues facing the continent. However, to maintain its resource
supply and stable market, China’s foreign policy of ‘non–interference’ has changed
significantly, particularly towards Africa. For example, China recently opened its first military
base in Africa. This study argues that, because of the above mentioned arguments, the
repercussions of the Africa–China relations could be dangerous for Africa since the continent
is not really benefiting from these dealings. Furthermore, this study notes that China is
contributing negatively towards the socio–economic development of Nigeria, despite the fact
that it provides Nigeria with aid and loans, primarily for infrastructure projects.
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