Lecture: The Evolution of China's Africa Policies

Ian Taylor will explore the evolution of Beijing's Africa policies, and explain why China is increasingly going to play a major role on the continent.

Chinese activity in Africa is increasing at an exponential rate. According to the China-Africa Business Council, China is now Africa's third most important trading partner, behind the United States and France but ahead of the United Kingdom and trade is predicted to top the $100 billion mark in the next five years (compared to $2 billion in 1999). This talk will trace the evolution of Beijing's Africa policies, explain why China is increasingly going to play a major role on the continent, and discuss some of the problems and prospects attached to China's African "safari".

Ian Taylor is an Associate Professor at the University of St Andrews, Scotland and a Visiting Professor at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. He holds an MPhil from the University of Hong Kong and a DPhil from the University of Stellenbosch. His research interests are in Chinese policy towards Africa and Africa's broad international relations. His most recent books include "China and Africa: Engagement and Compromise" (2006); and NEPAD: Towards Africa’s Development or Another False Start?" (2005). Recent edited volumes include "The New Multilateralism in South Africa’s Diplomacy" (2006); "Africa in International Politics: External Involvement on the Continent" (2004); and "Regionalism and Uneven Development in Southern Africa: The Case of The Maputo Development Corridor" (2003). He has taught at universities in Botswana, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa and Uganda.