ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the China–Africa relationship. It begins with an outline of China’s interests in Africa and the tools and techniques Beijing uses to pursue its interests. It then covers trade ties, China’s equity investment in Africa, its financing of infrastructure projects, and the resultant debt issues that have become a controversial part of the relationship. Next, the chapter looks at China’s development aid to Africa and its soft power and propaganda efforts before turning to security engagement and hard power, including contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, conventional arms transfers, and the military base in Djibouti. It concludes with some thoughts on the future of the China–Africa relationship.
