China’s Use of Realist Power In African Countries

Callista Wilson 
Mr. Roddy
Global Politics and Historical Contexts
28 September 2019 
China’s Use of Realist Power In African Countries 
Over the past few decades, the Chinese government has focused on creating trade connections with African countries in order to gain access to raw materials which will help to secure China’s ability to grow its domestic economy. The Chinese government’s actions have become so impactful that in 2009, they surpassed America to become the most frequent trade partner with African countries, by exporting many Chinese manufactured goods and communications technology to them in exchange for raw materials, such as mineral fuels and metals. Although, China’s actions may initially have the appearance of the liberalist theory of power, as China is cooperating with African countries through  global trade, they are actually following the realist theory of power because their intention for establishing this trade partnership is to expand their own economy and power. 
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “Between 2000 and 2014, Chinese banks, contractors, and the government loaned more than $86 billion to Africa.” They also highlight that, “Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan were the top recipients.” As a result of these loans, some African countries are becoming more industrialized, for example, many railroad systems and airports are being built in Africa by China. Although this is helping these countries to become more developed, and capable, this could be interfering with each countries’ internal sovereignty because they are becoming deeply in debt to China, which could cause China to feel entitled to use the infrastructure in ways which benefit themselves, and disregard the interests of African leaders. According to the Financial Times, America has recently, “accused China of using bribes, opaque agreements and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and demands.”  
Additionally, it is arguable that China is not following the liberalist theory of power as the process of building mining infrastructure in Africa is violating the human rights of Chinese workers. This is because in China, there are many environmental and labor standards which employers need to adhere to, and these regulations are not being followed. In order for this to change, it is important for other countries to see past the actions of the Chinese government, realize the true nature of their intentions, and how that is affecting the Sovereignty and environment of countries in Africa. Ultimately, these countries should have the right to mine and export their natural resources in a way that is most beneficial to themselves, instead of being taken advantage of. 
References: 
https://www.ft.com/content/9f5736d8-14e1-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e

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