World Social Forum
Seminar on China in Africa: New Colonialism or South-South Solidarity?
When: 17:30-20:00, January 23, 2007
Organised by: Focus on the Global South, Fahamu, Kenya Debt Relief, and
Moving Mountains

In the name of socialist and anti-imperialist solidarity, China
supported prestige infrastructure projects of independent Africa in the
1960s. Cold War politics saw China woo African nations away from the
Soviet Union and the West. Chinese technicians were sent to leftist
African states, military trainings were provided to African armies, and
modest economic aid was extended. In the 1990s, Chinese support came
under the name of South-South cooperation. Now China's investment to
Africa is increasing to support China's growth demands. Since 2000,
almost 700 Chinese companies set up operation in Africa. China's trade
to the continent experienced a three fold increase, making China
Africa's third largest trading partner (surpassing Britain). China sees
Africa as a source of raw materials, especially oil. Twenty-five per
cent of China's oil supplies are now sourced in the Gulf of Guinea
region.

Many African governments view China's new role in Africa as that of an
alternative to western pressure, and a source of financing without the
usual IMF and World Bank conditionalities. However, many criticize this
new role, arguing that China is encouraging an investment climate that
ignores environmental impacts, human rights, bad government, etc.
Recently, World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz criticised China's banks
for not applying the Equator Principles to their investments in Africa.
In short - Chinese investment has no benchmark. There is a growing
impression of a "yellow peril", there is much dislike and even campaigns
against "Zhing-Zhongs" or China-made products. On a micro-level, Chinese
entrepreneurs are quickly supplanting small-scale retailers and local
manufactures.

If the Chinese government and business interests in Africa are to be
moderated by concerns for local people, the environment, human rights,
etc., it is of extreme importance that the international voices arguing
for this are joined by a constituency of people within China who are
also concerned about this. This workshop will provide a critical view of
China's growing presence and influence in Africa. At the same time it
will also provide a venue for dialogue for a reciprocal solidarity.

During the event Fahamu's new book, "African Perspectives on China in
Africa" will be launched.

All are welcome!

Contacts: Dorothy Guerrero (Focus on Global South):
[email][email protected]
Firoze Manji (Fahamu): [email][email protected]