China and Africa. New development partnership or neo-colonialism?

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2014 in the subject Politics - Topic: Development Politics Mohammed V University at Agdal (Institut des Etudes Africaines (IEA) - Rabat) course: Governance & Development language: English abstract: In the wake of its emergence unto the international scene the Chinese State (development-centered and seemingly strategic) has in recent times increasingly resorted to building ties with major countries on the African continent hence the increment in its visits to the latter. Politically but in recent times economically motivated the underlying factors behind these visits are in contrast to the nature of the ties once shared. Indeed in times past especially from the 80''s onwards China-Africa relations have moved from political interests to now center on commercial and financial ones. But what really explains the growing interest of China in Africa? This is the core issue this article seeks to tackle. In response this paper has been divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the main reasons behind China''s foray into Africa while the second focuses on the impact of the Chinese presence on the continent''s development efforts.