Yuan imperialism: Chinese involvement in Africa
As Western interest in Africa waned during the 21st Century, China saw an opportunity to expand, and fulfil its insatiable appetite for raw materials such as iron ore, diamonds, cobalt and aluminium. China established close ties with African leaders; in exchange for trade deals, they undertook construction projects to build roads, railways and other infrastructure. Thousands of Chinese businessmen invested in Africa; between 2000 and 2010, Chinese-African trade amounted to one hundred and fifteen billion dollars.
While on the surface this partnership is mutually beneficial; through Chinese investment, Africans can exploit their rich natural materials and subsequently fuel development schemes. However, due to Chinese business principles, the profits of this scheme have not trickled down from the Upper Echelons of African societies. While Western powers lectured African leaders on principles of corruption, transparency, human rights and democracy, China made no such demands.
This method of business is therefore a new form of imperialism; Chinese investors violate labour laws, decimate the environment and destroy local industries with a torrent of cheaper products. In similar fashion to the former European overlords, China is heavily involved in the illegal ivory trade. The Chinese have coveted ivory for centuries, but the new middle class that was born of the economic boom created an unprecedented demand for it, prompting a surge in trafficking. As much as 70% of all illegal ivory has entered China, despite new legislation to introduce tougher penalties against poachers.
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| A political cartoon reacting to Chinese investment |
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