China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

Howard W. French

3.83(1823 readers)
A New York Times Notable Book Chinese immigrants of the recent past and unfolding twenty-first century are in search of the African dream. So explains indefatigable traveler Howard W. French, prize-winning investigative journalist and former New York Times bureau chief in Africa and China, in the definitive account of this seismic geopolitical development. China’s burgeoning presence in Africa is already shaping, and reshaping, the future of millions of people. From Liberia to Senegal to Mozambique, in creaky trucks and by back roads, French introduces us to the characters who make up China’s dogged emigrant entrepreneurs singlehandedly reshaping African infrastructure, and less-lucky migrants barely scraping by but still convinced of Africa’s opportunities. French’s acute observations offer illuminating insight into the most pressing unknowns of modern Sino-African Why China is making these cultural and economic incursions into the continent; what Africa’s role is in this equation; and what the ramifications for both parties and their people—and the watching world—will be in the foreseeable future.One of the Best Books of the Year at • The Economist • The Guardian • Foreign Affairs

Publisher

Vintage

Publication Date

5/20/2014

ISBN

9780385351683

Pages

306

Categories

Politics

About the Author

Howard W. French

Howard W. French

Howard W. French is an associate professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he has taught both journalism and photography since 2008. For many years, he was a Senior Writer for The New York Times, where he spent most of a nearly 23 year career as a foreign correspondent, working in and traveling to over 100 countries on five continents.

From 1979 to 1986, he lived in West Africa, where he worked as a translator, taught English literature at the University of Ivory Coast, and lived as a freelance reporter.

Until July 2008, he was the chief of the newspaper’s Shanghai bureau. Prior to this assignment, he headed bureaus in Japan, West and Central Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Mr. French’s work for the newspaper in both Africa and in China has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. He has won numerous other awards, including the Overseas Press Club award and the Grantham Prize. French speaks English, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Spanish.

Questions & Answers

China's economic expansion in Africa is significantly shaped by the migration of Chinese individuals and entrepreneurs. These newcomers, numbering around a million, have infiltrated various sectors, including farming, small factories, and trades. They contribute to the formation of informal networks that channel goods and capital back to China, often bypassing official control. Their presence has sparked debates about China's impact on Africa, with some arguing for economic growth and others cautioning against potential exploitation.

Chinese entrepreneurs are known for their aggressive business tactics, often outcompeting local businesses with cheaper goods and labor. This has led to tensions in some African countries, where locals have protested against the influx of Chinese traders and miners. However, Chinese migration also brings investment and infrastructure development, which can stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The diverse experiences of these Chinese immigrants provide valuable insights into China's evolving relationship with Africa, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of this growing partnership.

Chinese migrants in Africa are primarily motivated by economic opportunities, driven by China's rapid growth and the promise of a better life. They often leave China due to corruption, pollution, and limited space, seeking Africa's perceived openness and opportunities. Their experiences differ from traditional colonial patterns in several ways:

  1. Economic Focus: Unlike colonial powers, Chinese migrants are primarily focused on economic gain rather than political control or cultural imposition.
  2. Market Access: China's investment in Africa is aimed at securing markets for its export-oriented industries, not at establishing colonies.
  3. Infrastructure Development: China's role in Africa is marked by extensive infrastructure development, which is different from the resource extraction focus of colonial powers.
  4. Diaspora Approach: The Chinese approach involves building networks and communities, similar to past diaspora movements, to facilitate trade and influence.
  5. Local Integration: While some Chinese migrants face backlash, many integrate with local communities, engaging in business and contributing to local economies.

China's approach to Africa differs from Western powers in several key aspects. Unlike the West, China does not emphasize democracy and human rights as central conditions for its engagement. It offers loans and investments with fewer strings attached, focusing on infrastructure development and resource extraction. This approach is more mercenary, with a strong emphasis on economic returns and less on fostering governance reforms.

For African nations, this has implications. China's financing often requires the use of Chinese companies, materials, and labor, which can lead to job creation and infrastructure development. However, it can also result in a lack of transparency, environmental damage, and potential over-reliance on Chinese investment. The "win-win" rhetoric may mask unequal power dynamics, potentially leading to African nations becoming more indebted or even dependent on China. This could affect Africa's development trajectory, potentially at the expense of fostering local industries and governance reforms.

Chinese migrants and businesses in Africa face several challenges and criticisms. Critics argue that Chinese companies bring their own workers, leading to job losses for locals and skill transfer issues. There's also a persistent rumor that Chinese companies use prison labor, though this is unfounded. Environmental concerns arise from mining and other extractive industries, and there's criticism of land acquisition practices, with some feeling that Chinese are taking advantage of Africa's resources.

Chinese migrants and businesses often respond by emphasizing their role in development and infrastructure. They argue that their projects create jobs and stimulate economic growth. They also point to the high quality of their work and the competitive pricing of their services. However, transparency issues and lack of accountability remain significant concerns, and addressing these is crucial for fostering positive relationships and sustainable development in Africa.

The potential future of China-Africa relations hinges on the continent's development and China's evolving role. China's growing presence in Africa, driven by investment and trade, could significantly impact the continent's development. On one hand, China's infrastructure projects and investment in natural resources could stimulate economic growth and development. However, concerns exist about the sustainability of this growth, environmental impact, and the potential for resource depletion.

China's approach to development differs from traditional Western models, often focusing on infrastructure and resource extraction. This could lead to a shift in Africa's international relations, with the continent potentially becoming more aligned with China's interests. However, the effectiveness of this relationship depends on African countries' ability to leverage China's investment for sustainable development and to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among the population. The future of China-Africa relations will also be influenced by China's own economic and political changes, as well as the continent's evolving political and social dynamics.

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