Publisher's Synopsis
China and Africa is a current hot topic. The Love Affair is a strong enthusiasm which has seen an interest and eagerness by the Chinese to engage in Africa.Chinese engagement in Africa has raised various concerns. Although these concerns are real, it seems much of the debate does not take into adequate (sometimes no) account of the historical relations between Africa and China. Indeed one would be forgiven to think that China and Africa started their relations in the 1990s. But this is not the case. Already back in 1957, for example, the Chinese were making large cotton purchases from Egypt. China and Africa Love Affair is a short historical account of the relationship between China and Africa. The objectives of the book are to provide an historical context through which the current debate can take place. Most of the criticism leveled against both China and Africa does not take account of the history between the two. It should do. Its worrying that some criticism of Sino-African relations emanates from non Africans. Understanding the history of Sino-African relationships is critical to what Africans can gain from this relationship. It is also critical to how Africans respond to the Chinese. Sino-African relations are evolving. Failure to understand the historical context in which this relationship has developed, will lead to misunderstanding and perhaps even conflict, which would be detrimental to both parties.Given the gradual decline of old colonial powers and the more recent reorganization of geopolitics that has been necessitated by the unraveling of neo-liberal globalization and economic orthodoxy, to many Africans, young and old alike, China is sometimes seen as having come to Africa only recently. Similarly, many people in Europe and the Americas see Chinese activities as part of the recent rise of China as a global economic power. The majority know little of the long ties that have existed between China and Africa; hence the reason for my book. We Africans, we have the colonial history as our reference point when we judge outsiders. However, if we know about the Chinese, we would recognize that that cannot be compared to the colonialist.My interest was based on my childhood encounter with the Chinese in my native country of Sierra Leone. I became curious as to what the Chinese were doing there. Why they, unlike the Europeans, were mixing with the local workers. Why were they building roads, hospitals and bridges? I wanted to learn more. I also wanted to see what will become of this relationship. This was in 1989.Already then, I had predicted that the relationship between China and Africa would become stronger. This was based a correct analysis of China's determination to become the world's largest economy. I also correctly analyzed, based on the researched, that Africa's natural resources would be critical and valuable to China as they strive to become a global economic power house.I tell a story starting from the 1960s, and ending in the present. I am not a Sino-African expert. I have written a simple book, which I hope the reader will find interesting.China is well on her way to becoming the largest economy in the world. That she put a premium on her relationship with Africa is something we must embrace. Enjoy the book and learn!
