ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the motive behind China's increased activities in Ethiopia in recent years and concludes that it lies in Ethiopia's perceived diplomatic usefulness. China's greater involvement in Africa would be neo-colonial in consequence if not in intent, according to Sino-pragmatism, since the logic of capital is the same whether those in the driving seat are Europeans, Americans or Chinese. Sino-Ethiopian relations have passed through three stages: the Imperial period, the Dergue period and the Ethiopian Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) period. Ethiopia is one of the top four African recipients of China's investment in the infrastructure sector. If economic considerations primarily motivate China's diplomacy in Africa, as it is often said, then Ethiopia represents an anomalous case. If China's activities will have a far-reaching and positive impact in Ethiopia, it should therefore be in the agricultural sector. Ethiopia has occasionally voiced concerns about the asymmetrical trade relationship. Ethiopia's rulers also view China as a model.
