A. Ch. MOKRETSKY

Post-graduate student of IDV RAS

Keywords: China, Africa

In recent years, China-Africa relations have experienced a period of active development in both the political and trade-economic spheres. In the African direction, Chinese companies have made a new important step in the implementation of "going abroad" - the official foreign economic strategy of the People's Republic of China.

PROGRESS IN BILATERAL RELATIONS

Chinese researchers note the following achievements in the development of Sino-African relations::

Intensification of political contacts and deepening of mutual trust. In October 2008, the 6th summit of the China-Africa Forum was held in Egypt (Cairo), which was attended by representatives of the People's Republic of China, 48 African countries - members of the Forum, as well as a number of regional organizations. The summit participants summed up the interim results of the Beijing Summit Action Plan (2006) and decided to hold the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum (in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, at the end of 2009), the 7th - regular-summit of officials, as well as to pay special attention to discussing issues of cooperation in the field of agriculture, ensuring food security and building infrastructure.

In recent years, almost all of China's top leaders have visited Africa, and their African counterparts have been received in China. In February 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao, during his visit to Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius, confirmed that the PRC intends to fulfill the obligations set out in the documents of the 2006 Beijing Summit, reduce or completely cancel the debt of least developed countries to China, increase mutual trade turnover, increase investment in the African economy and take new steps More specifically, steps to expand practical cooperation with the States of the continent ¹.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Africa Forum (November 2009, Sharm el-Sheikh), Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of the People's Republic of China announced 8 measures to promote China-Africa cooperation.^2 Among them were the establishment of a Sino-African partnership to counter climate change; strengthening cooperation in the fields of science, technology and finance; expanding access to the Chinese market for African products and gradually zeroing import duties on 95% of the products of the least developed African countries that have established diplomatic relations with the PRC (starting from 60% in 2010).3) strengthening mutual cooperation in the fields of agriculture, medicine, human resources and education.

On July 14-15, 2010, Zhejiang Normal University hosted a symposium on "The place and role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China and Africa in the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals". It was attended by: China Environmental Protection Federation, China Association of Science and Technology, New Environment Foundation

Hope Zimbabwe, the Sudan Red Crescent, the Nigeria Security Improvement Initiative, the All People's Educational Union of Zambia, the South African Public Equity Association, and other NGOs. Three main issues were discussed: "Development experience and management practices of Chinese-African NGOs", " Experience and ways to address issues of food security, poor relief, care for women and children, education, health, climate change, etc. "and"How to strengthen NGO cooperation in implementing the UN Millennium Development Goals".

Li Jinjun, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that such events will not only strengthen cooperation between Chinese-African NGOs in the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals, but also contribute to the promotion of new strategic partnership relations. Rector Wu Fengmin noted that his university will continue to cooperate in stimulating teaching activities in African countries and exchanging scientists.⁴

Interaction in international and domestic affairs. According to Chinese experts, the PRC attaches great importance to providing assistance to African countries in ensuring peace and stability. In July 2008, 72 Chinese technical support specialists were deployed to participate in a joint African Union (AU) - UN operation in the Darfur province of Sudan. In total, 315 Chinese servicemen, who were later awarded UN medals of Honor, were involved in the" Darfur " direction.

China has welcomed the holding of a national referendum in South Sudan. Li Baodong, China's representative to the United Nations, said the event is the result of joint efforts of the international community, North and South Sudan. He noted that currently the most important issue is the solution of two issues:: (1) protecting long-term peace and stability in the region, promoting development; (2) promoting bilateral North-South dialogue, further implementing the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and reaching an understanding on controversial issues.⁵

At the same time, Beijing, concerned about political instability in North Africa and the Middle East, hopes that the countries affected by the surge in unrest will soon restore social stability and normal order. In particular, Zhao Kejin, Deputy director of the Center for the Study of Sino-American Relations at Tsinghua University, believes that the rapid changes in the region have deep roots, and many contradictions have accumulated, including latent ones, which have not yet taken visible shape. In his opinion, the riots will continue for a long period. And in this time of turmoil, China must first adhere to a strategy of maintaining order. Secondly, within the framework of the UN, act as a mediator between the conflicting parties and conduct preventive diplomacy, doing everything possible to achieve a return to peace negotiations. And, third, having common interests with the conflicting States, to protect their legitimate rights.⁶

Beijing is actively seeking the support of African countries on issues of paramount importance to it, such as the Taiwan and Tibet issues. Most of the continent's states have confirmed their commitment to the" one - China policy " (48 countries have diplomatic relations with China, 4 with Taiwan). In 2008, then AU President Alpha O. Konare noted that the African Union has a clear and consistent position on Taiwan, adheres to the "one China" principle, and steadfastly supports the Chinese Government in preventing Taiwan from joining the UN.

3. Effectiveness of joint development efforts. According to the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, trade between China and the African continent reached a record level in 2008, breaking the $100 billion threshold for the first time. and amounting to $106.84 billion. Chinese exports to Africa reached $50.84 billion. (an increase of 38% compared to 2007), and imports -$56 billion. (increase of 54%).

Despite the fact that due to the impact of the global financial and economic crisis, the volume of foreign trade between the two sides in 2009 decreased to $91.07 billion. (exports - $47.7 billion, imports - $43.3 billion), China remains one of the largest trading partners of the Black continent. Following the global economic recovery, China-Africa trade has maintained a positive development trend, reaching $114.81 billion ^by November 2010.7 The growth rate of China-Africa trade can be judged from the data shown in the chart.

Angola remained China's largest foreign trade counterparty on the Black Continent. South Africa is China's second most important African trading partner and the region's largest market for Chinese goods.⁸

In order to increase supplies from the least developed African countries, China has lifted import duties on more than 10 types of goods, including agricultural products, precious stones, minerals, tanned leather, textiles and clothing, electromechanical goods and wooden furniture, which are most in demand and imported from 31 countries. By November 2008, the profit of the African side from the introduction of preferential tariffs on its goods was estimated at $680 million.⁹

China is constantly increasing its economic assistance to African countries. Cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, social development, education, etc. has achieved notable results. Between 2007 and 2009, China signed mutual assistance agreements with 48 countries and framework agreements with 22 African countries.

Chart. China-Africa foreign trade volume, 2000-2009

states, including 33 draft concession agreements ¹⁰.

Protocols were signed with 35 countries of the continent to reduce the amount of their debt to China; 312 debt obligations (worth $ 18.96 billion) were completely canceled. ¹¹ yuan - $2.88 billion). By July 2010, more than 30 thousand African specialists had been trained in China. In 2009, 100 Chinese agronomists and agricultural technicians were sent to 35 African countries. China plans to implement projects for the construction of 14 agronomic centers, most of which have passed the design stage and are ready for implementation.

In January 2009, an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation was signed between the People's Republic of China and the African Union, in which, among other things, Beijing confirmed its intention to provide assistance to the AU for the construction of the conference center. Construction began in late 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Premier Wen Jiabao said that despite the significant impact of the global financial crisis on the global economy, China will not reduce its aid to African countries.

Chinese investment in the Black Continent's economies is growing. By the end of 2008, the volume of Chinese FDI (foreign direct investment) in Africa exceeded $5 billion, reaching $9.33 billion in 2009. (see fig.)¹². In order to encourage and support investment by Chinese companies in projects intended for implementation on the African continent, the China-Africa Development Fund was established in June 2007 with a capital of $1 billion. In early 2009, Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming announced that the Fund would increase its resources to $5 billion.¹³

Currently, the Zambia-China, Nigeria-Guangdong, Lekki Free Trade Zone in Nigeria, Suez Trade and Economic Cooperation Zone in Egypt and the Eastern Industrial Park in Ethiopia are being created. Build-

Figure 1. China's FDI in industrial sectors in Africa (end of 2009).

The construction of the Lusaka sub-zone, part of the Zambia-China TPP, officially started in the Zambian capital in January 2009. In February 2009, work began on the construction of another bridge in Bamako (Mali), which is funded by the Chinese side; the partner responsible for the construction is the Chinese company Gezhouba Group International¹⁴.

In order to support Chinese enterprises in the development of investment activities, the Institute of International Trade and Economic Cooperation and the Investment Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, with the assistance of business structures accredited in Chinese embassies abroad, prepared a "Guide to cooperation in the field of foreign investment in States (regions)"in 2010. It provides detailed information on the political, economic, social, legal, and legislative spheres of society, as well as on the culture, traditions, and customs of countries (regions) around the world. The section on the Middle East and African continent, which includes 60 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Libya, etc., examines the investment climate and comments on issues that require special attention from entrepreneurs.¹⁵

Cultural exchanges. Delegations of African government structures responsible for the cultural sphere regularly visit China. In 2008, the following documents were signed:: Protocol to the 2008-2010 China - Nigeria Education and Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Program; implementation plans for related cultural agreements for 2008-2010. between China and Cameroon, as well as China and Mali; Cultural Cooperation Agreement between China and Angola. These documents provide for the implementation of exchanges and projects not only in such areas as culture and the preservation of its heritage, but also in education, media, tourism and sports. Currently, there are 21 Confucius Institutes operating in 14 African countries.

DIFFICULTIES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS

At the same time, Chinese analysts state that there are a number of problems in China's relations with African states. Among them are::

Divergence of interests between some African producers and Chinese exporters. Although the PRC adheres to the principle of mutual benefit in trade and economic cooperation with the countries of the Black Continent, nevertheless, representatives of a number of organizations and business circles in Africa argue that the cheapness of Chinese goods makes it unprofitable to manufacture similar products in the region and thereby causes considerable damage to local producers. It is also suggested that China is deliberately obstructing access to the US and European markets for competing African products, further aggravating the situation in local industry.¹⁶

G. Broadman, the World Bank's economic adviser for the African region, notes in his book "The African Silk Road", in particular, that the growing demand for African goods of the rapidly growing middle class of India and China can give a significant boost to the development of the Black continent's economies. In view of this, the new African Silk Road provides an excellent opportunity for the region to accelerate both its integration into the global economy and its economic growth. ¹⁷ The directions of such integration were outlined in the report of A. T. Kearney, an American management specialist, who used the term "Chimea" (China-Middle East-Africa) to describe the basics of the functioning of a likely new common market. By" Chi " they mean the technology, investment and sales market of China and India, by "me" they mean investments and oil from the Middle East, and by "a" they mean African raw materials.¹⁸

China is taking persistent steps to improve the operations and management structure of its companies operating in Africa. However, as the Chinese side itself admits, some of its companies seek to get unjustifiably high profits, while behaving unworthily, which damages their business image. For example, there are firms that violate quality standards and throw fake or low-grade goods into the African market. And some companies, when implementing major projects, not only do not follow international rules and established business practices, but also neglect environmental protection measures, harming the interests of the host country's sustainable development.

The growing interference of Western countries in the internal affairs of the African continent. Major Western Powers are actively trying to monopolize access to Africa's natural resources. In the West, the thesis about the "Chinese threat" to the Black Continent is being exaggerated in every possible way.

Western media believe that China's interest in Africa is driven by a search for the natural resources of a rising economic power. At the same time, the American researcher Deborah Brautigan in her book "The Gift of the Dragon, a True Story about China in Africa" believes that this statement does not characterize the complex Sino-African relations. In her opinion, unlike the West, in whose eyes the continent is flooded with wars, epidemics, turmoil and other horrific events, China sees Africa as a market. China occupies a leading position in the export of consumer goods in the region, Chinese companies are developing factory production, building infrastructure facilities.

Deborah Brautigan believes that Sino-African relations should be considered as

part of China's global strategy: "You can call this phenomenon neo-colonialism or imperialism. But to curb globalization means continuously increasing your place in its chain, becoming a major world power. And to achieve this goal, the Black Continent is becoming a reliable partner in the eyes of the People's Republic of China. " ¹⁹

August 25, 2010 - President of South Africa J. R. R. Tolkien During his visit to China, Zuma addressed students and teachers of Peking People's University. He noted that China's investment and economic activities in Africa are not a sign of"neo-colonialism". The South African President stressed that China established economic relations with the African continent several centuries ago, provided assistance, expanded trade and cooperation. China has never conducted so-called "colonial" activities in Africa, so calling China's investment and economic activity on the Black Continent "neocolonialism", according to J. R. R. Tolkien. Zooms, fundamentally wrong ²⁰.

Non-traditional security threats. The security situation in a number of African countries is described by Chinese researchers as"appalling". Abductions, murders and other crimes committed against personnel of foreign peacekeeping contingents, as well as specialists, weaken the confidence of some African Governments on the part of the international community. Chinese citizens also become victims of such offenses. So, in January-March 2008 alone, 3 cases of abduction of Chinese oil workers in Nigeria were recorded. In the same year, in Ogaden, Ethiopia, 9 Chinese oil exploration specialists were killed and seven captured in an attack by a group of armed men, and in the South Kordofan province of Sudan, 9 Sinopec employees were taken hostage. (During the rescue operation, only 4 of them were released.)

* * *

According to Chinese researchers, cooperation between China and African states is a successful example of the development of South-South cooperation.

The PRC intends to continue its policy of long-term cooperation with the States of the Black Continent, thereby creating prerequisites for further success of its practical activities in the African region.

By channeling investment and financial assistance to African countries, Beijing is also fully aware of the need to analyze and address the problems that arise on the path of the China-Africa dialogue, as well as the importance of continuing efforts to make this dialogue even stronger and more stable.

¹ Приводится по: Steady and Fast Growth of China-African Relations - in: The CIIS Blue Book on International Situation and China's Foreign Affairs. 2008 - 2009. - Beijing: World Affairs Press, 2009. P. 383.

² Materials of the Xinhua News Agency, 09.11.2009; Yan Wei. Partners in Need / / Beijing Review. Nov. 19.11.2009, Vol. 52, N 46, P. 12 - 13; http://www.bjreview.com.cn/world/txt/2009 - 11/16/content_229821_3.htm

^{Yan Wei.} 3 Partners in Need...

⁴ Zhongfei feizhengfu juzhi zhuanjia juhui zheshida yantao NGO " zai loshi lianhego qiannian fazhan mubiao fangmian de diwei yu zuoyong "(Experts of Chinese-African NGOs gathered at Zhejiang Normal University to discuss "The place and role of NGOs in the implementation of the UN Millennium Goals") / / Renminwang. 15.07.2010 - http://world.people.com.cn/GB/12156623. html

⁵ Zhongguo qiandiao ying jixiu weihu sudan wending bin guli beinan shuangfang duihua (China confirms its intention to protect stability in Sudan and promote bilateral dialogue between the North and the South) / / Xinhuawang. - 27.01.2011 http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2011 - 01/27/c_121028857.htm

⁶ See more: Zhao Kejin: Zhongguo ruhe Indui siya beifei juibian (Zhao Kejin: how to respond to China's rapid changes in North Africa and the Middle East) / / Huangquan. 04.03.2011 - http://opinion.huanqiu.com/roll/2011-03/1539170.html

⁷ is given by: Gouyuan xinwenban fabu "Zhongguo yu feizhoude jingmao hezuo" baipishu (The Press Service of the State Council of the People's Republic of China publishes the White Paper "China-Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation") / / Website of the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China - http://sousuo.mofcom.gov.cn/query/queryDetail.jsp?articleid=20101207328585&querv=%E4 %B8%AD%E9%9D%9E%E8%B4%B8% E6%98%93

⁸ Ibid. P. 386. See also: Zhongguo duiwai maoi xingshi baogao (2010 nian qiuji) (Report on China's Foreign Trade (Autumn 2010)) / / Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China - http://zhs.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/cbw/201011/20101107219163.html

⁹ is given in: Steady and Fast Growth of China-African Relations... P. 388.

¹⁰ Ibid. P. 386.

¹¹ is given by: Gouyuan xinwenban fabu... (The Press Service of the State Council of the People's Republic of China publishes a White Paper...

¹² Ibid.

¹³ is given in: Steady and Fast Growth of China-African Relations... P. 387.

¹⁴ Ibid., pp. 387-388. See also: Gouyuan xinwenban fabu... (The Press Service of the State Council of the People's Republic of China publishes the White Paper...

¹⁵ See for more information: Zhongguo duiwai touzi he jingji hezo (Foreign Investment of the People's Republic of China and Economic Cooperation) / / Website of the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China - http://fec.mofcom.gov.cn/gbzn/gobiezhinan.shtml

¹⁶ is given in: Steady and Fast Growth of China-African Relations... P. 389.

^{Broadman Harry G.} 17 Africa's Silk Road: China and India's New Economic Frontier. - Wash.:World Bank Publications, 2007. P. 391.

¹⁸ is given by: Ma Zongshi. Some Thoughts on "Harmonious Globalization" // Contemporary International Relations. 2008, Vol. 18, Nov. - Dec, N 6, P. 44.

¹⁹ Email: zhongguo zai feizhou zhanliue bi xifang geng conming (Italian Media: China's African strategy is smarter than the West) / / Renminwang, Huanqiu shibao. 22.07.2010 - http://world.people. com.cn/GB/12214955.html. See also Brautigam D. The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa. Oxford University Press. 2010.

²⁰ Nanfei zongtong zai hua yanjiang: zhongguo dui fei touzi bingfei xinzhiminzhui (South African President speaks in China: Chinese investment in African countries is not a sign of neocolonialism) / / Renminwang. 26.08.2010 - http://world.people. com.cn/GB/12551769.html

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