ABSTRACT
The factors drawing China to Africa are unlikely to radically alter or disappear soon. Furthermore, the institutions are in place to develop Sino-African relationships, and these institutions know what their tasks are, if not always how to coordinate with each other effectively in carrying them out. But what can we expect from the next phase, as relationships mature, bringing greater familiarity, expectations and demand for accountability? If, as some have said, FOCAC 2006 can be seen as marking the end of the beginning, how sustainable will China's African relationships prove to be as they move into their next stage?1 What are the issues that might yet threaten complications? As other powers, both traditional and newly interested, refocus their attentions on Africa, how confident can Chinese policymakers and businessmen be of protecting the investments they have made in their African relationships?
