There has been a lot of talk lately about China's large-scale economic expansion into global commodity markets. Anyone who deals with the problems of the African continent or has ever been there knows that in recent years, the PRC has actually made a breakthrough in this area, increasing its presence many times over.

Using such cooperation mechanisms as the construction of large infrastructure facilities, the development of comprehensive state-level cooperation, and the frequent exchange of high-level delegations, the PRC has occupied a niche vacated after the Soviet withdrawal from Africa. This is evidenced, in particular, by the trade turnover of the PRC with African countries, which, according to the Chinese themselves, increased 6-fold from 1991 to 2000-up to 10 billion US dollars, while Russia's trade turnover with Africa decreased during this period, although it began to grow at the beginning of the XXI century.

Let's try to find out in this publication the main reasons for China's interest in the Black Continent. Let's try to assess the real scale, first of all, of China's trade and economic expansion in Africa, but also of its foreign policy and cultural expansion, its dynamics and prospects, and the main mechanisms for stimulating cooperation.

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY

The beginning of the development of modern relations between China and African countries can be considered April 1955, when the Conference of 29 Asian and African Countries was held in Bandung (Indonesia). It was attended by Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai. There, for the first time, he met with the leaders of a number of African states (Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Sudan, Liberia and Ghana). After the conference, China stepped up contacts with the countries of the continent, and on May 30, 1956, a joint communique was signed with Egypt on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Thus, Egypt became the first country in Africa with which China established diplomatic relations.

Following Egypt, diplomatic relations were established with Algeria (in 1958 - that is, 4 years before the country's independence), with Morocco, Sudan and Guinea.

Further development of China's interaction with the countries of the continent was hindered by the complex international situation that had developed at that time, as well as the" cultural revolution " in the PRC (1966-1976). China was in a state of confrontation with the West (accordingly, it could not establish relations with the African regimes loyal to it), but at the same time its relations with relations with the USSR (and hence with regimes loyal to Moscow).

In the early ' 60s, two important events occurred that contributed to the activation of Chinese policy in Africa. From December 1963 to February 1964, Prime Minister Zhou Enlai paid a visit to 10 African countries, during which 5 principles for the development of China's political relations with the countries of the continent were formulated:

1. To support the peoples of all African countries in their struggle against imperialists, colonialists and neo-colonialists in order to win and preserve national independence.

2. Support the policy of peace, neutrality and non-alignment of African countries.

3. Support the desire of African countries for solidarity and unity by means chosen by the countries of the continent themselves, as well as support their efforts to resolve differences through peaceful negotiations.

4. Demand that other countries respect the sovereignty of African States.

5. Fight against aggression and other forms of foreign interference.

The second important event was the recognition of the PRC by France in 1964, which made it possible to establish relations with a number of French-speaking countries on the continent. As a result, by the end of the 1960s, China had established diplomatic relations with 14 other African States, bringing the total number to 19.

The 1970s were characterized by some contradictions in China's foreign policy: on the one hand, China moved closer to the West, on the other hand, it continued to remain a firm supporter of anti - colonialism. This allowed him to enlist the support of regimes loyal to the United States and Western countries, and win the sympathy of those African states that were in the sphere of interests of the USSR. This explains the paradoxical situation: in Angola, the PRC, together with the United States, supported UNITA, fighting against the Soviet-Cuban bloc, while at the same time in Tanzania and Zambia, China provided military support to the anti-apartheid front1 .

An important positive factor that significantly strengthened the authority of the PRC in the world as a whole and in Africa was the adoption of UN Resolution No. 2758 of October 25, 1971 on the "restoration of the legitimate rights" of the PRC to permanent membership in the UN instead of Taiwan. In the 70s. China has established diplomatic relations with 25 other African States, and as of the end of the 1980s, this number reached 47 out of 51 independent countries. At the same time, relations with Ethiopia have improved.-

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Mali, Angola, Mozambique and Madagascar, while cooperation with Tanzania, Zambia, Zaire, Gabon, Benin, Mali, Ghana and Guinea has significantly increased.

The 1990s were characterized by significant geopolitical changes in the world, taking into account which the PRC sharply intensified the African direction of its foreign policy. High-level and high-level visits to Africa have become much more frequent. In order to review the priorities of economic cooperation with the countries of the continent, a special meeting of Chinese ambassadors to Africa was held in 1995.

During this period, immediately after the declaration of independence, diplomatic relations with China were established by Namibia and Eritrea, as well as diplomatic relations with South Africa and resumed with the Central African Republic and Guinea-Bissau. However, they were broken by Beijing with 6 countries: Burkina Faso, Gambia, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Chad and Liberia, which recognized Taiwan, and with Malawi and Swaziland were never established.

On October 11, 2003, diplomatic relations with Liberia were restored. So far, only 7 out of 53 African countries do not have diplomatic relations with China.

HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA AND THE TAIWAN ISSUE

The reasons for the twists and turns in China's relations with African countries are the struggle for influence on the continent between China and Taiwan.

Unlike most Western creditors, the PRC does not make demands for a democratic society, human rights and a market economy in exchange for its assistance. As Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen said during a speech at the University of Namibia in 1992: "Only Africans know the realities of their country. Only they have the right and are able to choose the path of their development. China has absolute respect for the choice of their social system and development model, which corresponds to the situation in their country." This was also stated in 1996 by Chinese President Jiang Zemin during a trip to Africa. The fact that African countries are "free to choose their political system and development paths" was also stated by Chinese President Hu Jintao during an African tour in early ^2004.2

The only demand that the People's Republic of China puts forward to African countries in exchange for its assistance is to recognize the "one China" principle. However, for many years, Taiwan has been able to keep a number of African countries in its orbit of influence thanks to more effective "credit diplomacy". Over time, as the Chinese economy developed, its assistance became more attractive (more on this later), and many countries on the continent "disowned" Taiwan. The fact that China became a permanent member of the UN Security Council also played a big role here. Due to numerous coups, as well as the desire to "profit" from the differences between mainland China and the island, many African countries have repeatedly changed their position on the "Taiwan issue". Thus, since 1962, the CAR has changed its opinion on this issue 5 times, each time extracting dividends for itself ³ .

WHY DOES CHINA NEED AFRICA?

What is the attractiveness of the African continent for China? Why is there such an acute struggle with Taiwan over it?

As Chinese President Hu Jintao said during a 2004 visit to Africa: "China is the largest developing country in the world, while Africa is the continent with the most developing countries. China is working together with African countries to seize this historic opportunity, deepen global cooperation, and promote mutual development. " ⁴ He also said, "Africa has a lot of natural and human resources, and China has the technology and expertise, not to mention our huge markets." In other words, China is interested in Africa primarily for foreign policy reasons, as well as as a complementary economy.

The Chinese themselves, when describing their relations with Africa, prefer to talk about reciprocity and mutual benefit ^.5

FOREIGN POLICY COOPERATION

More than 30 years have passed since the UN General Assembly made the fateful decision to "restore the legitimate rights" of the PRC in the UN, but the Chinese do not tire of repeating that out of 76 votes in favor of the resolution, 25 were African (32.9%). Less frequently mentioned is the fact that out of 59 "cons", 19 were also African (32.2%). Thus, the total" contribution " of Africa was then almost zero. Now the situation has changed in many ways, and in a positive way for the PRC.

One of the evidences of this is the vote on the "Chinese question" in the UN Commission on Human Rights in the 1990s. Seven times in a row (!), an anti-Chinese human rights resolution put forward by Western countries was not adopted, largely due to the support of Africans. Thus, in 1997, during the 53rd session of the commission, the resolution was rejected by 27 votes to 17, and 14 countries (more than 50%) that supported the PRC were African. There are many more examples of this kind.

In the current international situation, when the principle of "one country - one vote" is used in voting in most international organizations, and African countries represent almost a third of the UN members (and about half of the Non-Aligned Movement states), the continent's role in international politics is great. Although Africa is not the top priority of China's foreign policy strategy, as Prime Minister Li Peng said in 1995 during a meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart: "Strengthening relations with African countries is an important part of China's foreign policy."

NATURAL RESOURCES

As the PRC gradually turns into a" factory of peace", placing a variety of production facilities on its territory, the need for natural resources is inexorably growing. In 2003, for example, China surpassed Japan with 5.46 million barrels per day (bpd) to become the world's second largest oil consumer after the United States. At the same time, only half of it buys in the Middle East, the rest - in Africa, Southeast Asia, Russia, Kazakhstan and South America. In order to diversify the geography of supplies, China is increasingly present in the oil sector of African countries6 .

Black gold, therefore, is the main natural resource of interest to China in Africa. Its main suppliers are Angola, Congo and Sudan, but thanks to the agreements signed during Hu Jintao's Africa tour, the largest producers of the world's largest oil and gas products are still developing.-

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Algeria, Gabon and Egypt will also become oil suppliers.

In addition, China imports phosphates and cobalt (from Morocco), timber (from Ivory Coast and Central Africa), coffee and cocoa (Ivory Coast), cotton (Central and West African countries, Egypt), and manganese (Gabon).

SALES MARKET FOR GOODS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Chinese consumer goods are almost ideally suited to the African market in terms of their characteristics (low price, easy to use), which, despite all the twists and turns, is growing, and there is little competition in it, and local production usually does not exist at all. The attractiveness of the market increases even more if we accept the theory of the economist Zh. - L. Terrier, expressed during the 1st International OECD Forum on African Perspectives in February 2000. In his opinion, the growth rate of African economies (and, consequently, consumer demand) will be at least no less than the demographic growth in these countries ^.7

On the other hand, compared to African companies, Chinese companies are quite high-tech. We are talking about such basic sectors of the economy as construction, irrigation works, energy, textile industry, etc. The Chinese find a fairly effective and profitable application of their technologies. After all, in most African economies, many processing industries are absent, and most investments (including technological ones) give a good return.

But Russian products are also known for their low price, ease of use and durability.

THE SCALE OF CHINA'S PRESENCE ON THE CONTINENT

Let us now try to estimate the real scale of Chinese expansion on the continent in various areas.

According to statistics, in 1949 there were about 27 thousand Chinese living in Africa, and half a century later - in 1999 - more than 130 thousand. At the same time, while the islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and South Africa can be described as countries with a permanent Chinese diaspora, in most other countries of the continent, their number is usually several hundred people (which exceeds the number of Russian citizens living in these countries).⁸ . This is the critical mass of small merchants necessary for the development of mutual trade, including numerous specialists working in the framework of providing technical assistance. As a rule, Chinese people are united in associations of compatriots who are in close contact with their embassies.

MUTUAL TRADE

China's foreign trade with African countries is growing rapidly, reaching more than $ 18 billion in 2003. At the same time, the main part of the trade turnover is accounted for by oil supplies from Sudan, Congo, and Angola. The volume of trade is also high with Nigeria, which imports Chinese consumer goods, and with South Africa. The largest share of Chinese products in imports is in countries such as the Gambia and Togo* - about 40%.

According to the French Embassy in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), the Chinese share in the products imported by West African countries is about 11%, which puts them in second place after the French. In most African countries, the Chinese are also moving into second place behind their traditional economic partners, as Germany, Japan ,and the United States lose market share. ⁹

As can be seen from the table, most African countries are increasing their trade with China, with annual growth rates often exceeding 100%. Chinese products are distributed through retail channels, but they are also widely represented in the informal sector. However, the potential for further trade development is huge, as Africa accounts for only 2% of China's foreign trade, while China accounts for about 5% of Africa's foreign trade ^.10

China's trade with Africa in 2003 (in millions of US dollars)

Source: Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China

* As a result of the economic blockade of Togo by the EU and the United States due to non-compliance with human rights, the PRC has gained the most, having repeatedly increased its economic presence here. A large Chinese supermarket has been built in the country, selling exclusively Chinese products. Chinese construction workers have begun construction of the new presidential Palace, which is scheduled to be completed in 2005.

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The Chinese initiative for tariff-free access of goods from the Least Developed countries of Africa to the Chinese market, which was announced during the Second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in December 2003,11 This is a kind of response of the PRC to the American initiative - the Africa Growing Opportunities Act - AGOA) and European - "Everything except weapons".

According to Chinese Trade Minister Lu Fuyuan, the goal of China is to increase the volume of trade with African countries to 30 billion US dollars over the next three ^{years12 .}

CHINESE INVESTMENT IN AFRICA

Chinese companies are not content with just exporting their products to the continent. They are increasingly moving part of their production facilities here.

Africa is the third largest region in the world to attract Chinese investment after Asia and North America (ahead of Europe and Latin America). Among the 30 countries that receive the most Chinese investment, Zambia is in 10th place with 18 projects worth $ 134.4 million, South Africa is in 13th place (98 projects worth $ 119.3 million), Mali is in 20th place (5 projects worth $ 58.1 million), Egypt is ranked 24th (27 projects worth $ 48.5 million), Nigeria is ranked 27th (29 projects worth $ 44.3 million), and Tanzania is ranked 28th (19 projects worth $ 41.3 million).

For a third of Chinese enterprises operating abroad, Africa is the highest priority region. More than 600 Chinese enterprises have invested in Africa, and the accumulated volume of investments is $ 1.17 billion (as of 2003), while the PRC has become the second or even the first largest foreign investor in a number of countries. A notable example is Sudan, which, thanks to China National Petroleum Corporation's investments, exports more than $ 1 billion worth of oil annually despite the difficult domestic political situation, providing 58% of budget revenues ^.13

Major state-owned companies, such as Sinopec, Petrochina, China National Petroleum Corporation, etc., invest mainly in Africa.

China has established a number of companies for commercial fish production in Africa. Moreover, if, for example, in Gabon, such a company was established in 1986, then in Benin, Atlantic Fisheries was registered only in 2003. A number of enterprises for the extraction of natural resources, primarily oil, have been established. Currently, China is creating joint textile enterprises in Africa, which makes it possible to export products to the vast American market under the AGOA program.

The PRC has agreements on mutual protection and promotion of investment with 34 African countries and agreements on the abolition of double taxation with 14 countries of the continent.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS

China is the largest contractor on the continent. Recently, in almost every African country, the PRC has built and is building several of the largest and most iconic structures, implementing the so-called "cement (concrete) diplomacy"in practice. Among other things, it is worth noting the Palace of Peoples in Djibouti and Komorah, the Palace of Congresses in Benin, the Foreign Ministry buildings in Djibouti, Uganda and Mozambique, the Palace of Culture in Ivory Coast, the National Assembly and Senate in Gabon, stadiums in Benin, Mali, Djibouti, CAR, the ring road in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, roads in Equatorial Guinea, airports in Mali and Algeria, a port in Mauritania, 3 dams in Morocco, the Sheraton Hotel in Algeria. In Cairo, China has started construction of the metro. Most of the facilities are being built on soft loans, while the financial participation of the African side is minimal.

In Africa, branches of the largest Chinese construction companies (included in the list of 225 best construction companies in the world according to the classification of the American magazine "ENR") have been established - CSCEC, SGC, SICET, COVEC, etc. They also participate in announced international construction tenders funded by external "development partners".

tourism

Every year, more and more Chinese tourists visit African countries. If earlier China officially had only 3 tourist destinations: Egypt, South Africa and Morocco, then during the 2nd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, 8 more destinations were approved: Kenya, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Tunisia. The status of a tourist destination implies the opening of regular air traffic, which will contribute to a sharp increase in the number of Chinese tourists.

This is especially important for a country like Zimbabwe, which is under an international blockade and is currently counting on an increase in the influx of tourists from China ^.14

MECHANISMS ENCOURAGE COOPERATION

Why did China manage to ensure such a sharp increase in cooperation with African countries in the 1990s? There are several reasons: the increased activity of Chinese diplomacy on the continent; the practice of frequent state visits, which has existed since the 60s; the regular holding of Forums on Sino-African cooperation; reliance on traditional methods of international cooperation. In addition, there has been a dramatic increase in the effectiveness of aid to African countries in its various forms.

SYSTEM OFFICES OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE CONTINENT

Like the Soviet Union, China has an extensive system of representative offices in Africa. These are primarily embassies, as well as bureaus of trade and economic advisers (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China), which exist in almost all countries with which diplomatic relations are maintained. It is noteworthy that the Chinese Embassy in Liberia was reopened almost immediately after the resumption of diplomatic relations. Most African countries also have Chinese cultural centers.

All these institutions are well funded. In terms of their power, they significantly exceed not only the system of Russian foreign institutions in Africa, but also all Western countries. For example, if France has a border with Benin and Togo (which are its traditional "fiefdoms") If there is one economic adviser, then the Trade mission of the People's Republic of China in Benin has 6 employees headed by an adviser, and the office of the Trade Mission of the People's Republic of China in Togo has 8. The same situation has developed in other African countries.

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At the same time, employees of trade representative offices have a good education, in most cases - specialized economic education, and extensive work experience. In particular, the trade and economic adviser of the PRC often has, among other things, an MBA (Master of Business Administration - Master of Business Administration) diploma, which allows him to easily delve into the problems of Chinese private and state-owned companies.

Trade missions of the PRC collect information on the macroeconomic situation of the host countries, on the situation in certain industries, and conduct research on specific markets for their private companies, search for counterparties, and organize negotiations for a fixed fee. Most of this practical information of a general nature for businessmen (currency regulation, export-import duties, investment legislation) is posted on the websites of trade missions, which are centrally maintained by technical specialists of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China. It is typical that all Chinese trade missions in Africa (as well as embassies) have their own websites. Their disadvantage is that information on them is placed only in Chinese, which cuts off the opportunity to get acquainted with Chinese offers on the Internet for local entrepreneurs.

EXCHANGE OF SESSIONS

Exchanges of State visits play an important role in strengthening China-Africa ties. They make it possible to establish personal contacts between leaders, which is especially important for a number of African countries whose leadership has not changed for decades (Togo, Gabon, Tunisia, etc.).

According to statistics, since the early 1960s, more than 30 Chinese leaders with the rank of Vice Premier and above have made more than 180 visits to 47 African countries. The frequency of trips increased especially in the 1990s.Presidents of the People's Republic of China (Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao) visited Africa.

For their part, African heads of State also frequently visit China. The first of these was President Sekou Toure of Guinea, who visited China in September 1960. Since then, the heads of State and Government of 48 African countries have made more than 200 visits to China, of which 160 are visits by heads of State. There were 33 top-level visits in the 70s, 51 in the 80s, and 57 in the 90s.

Many "doyens" among African leaders have repeatedly visited China. Among them are R. Mugabe, M. Kereku, G. Eyadema. I would particularly like to mention the President of Gabon, Omar Bongo, who has already visited China eight times and is planning his ninth visit ^.15 Several hundred African ministers visited China.

While at the beginning of relations, high-level and high-level visits were often declarative in nature, indicating China's support for the anti-colonial struggle, etc., recently they have become more concrete. During the visits, the Chinese side announces its new aid initiatives and signs multimillion-dollar contracts. From now on, China has enough resources to ensure that trade and economic cooperation "keeps up" with political interaction.

HU JINTAO'S AFRICA TOUR

Of all the recent visits, President Hu Jintao's African tour in January-February 2004 (he had already visited the continent twice before) is undoubtedly the most significant. It represents a new stage in the history of Sino-African relations. The Chinese leader visited Egypt, Algeria and Gabon. The choice of these countries is not accidental. First of all, all of them have not severed diplomatic relations with the PRC since their establishment, respectively, in 1956, 1958 and 1975. They have large oil reserves.

Egypt is not only one of the key countries in Africa, but also an ideal platform for addressing Arab countries. In this regard, it is no coincidence that Hu Jintao met with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Amr Moussa, who proposed the creation of a Forum on Sino-Arab cooperation. The positions of China and the Arab countries on the Iraq issue and the Middle East settlement are close, which was once again emphasized during the visit. As for mutual trade, its volume in 2003 exceeded $ 1 billion. Prospects of cooperation in the field of oil production, metro construction and tourism were discussed ¹⁶ .

Algeria is one of the key countries in the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program. As the head of the Organization of African Unity in 1999-2000, Algeria made a huge contribution to the organization of the first Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the parties rate them as "excellent" and"exceptional" ¹⁷ . In 2002, the volume of bilateral trade reached only $ 200 million; in 2003, thanks to the supply of Algerian oil to China, it exceeded $ 700 million. In 2002, Sinopec, a state-owned company, signed a $ 450 million investment contract to develop oil fields in Algeria, and in the same year, China National Petroleum Corporation signed a $ 350 million contract.¹⁸ China has historically been a major supplier of weapons and military equipment to Algeria. During the visit, 5 agreements on cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in the field of science and education were signed ¹⁹ .

Gabon is the only country in Tropical Africa that Hu Jintao has visited. And dwindling oil reserves did not play a major role here. Much more important is the authority in the African world of O. Bongo, vice-doyen among the leaders of the continent (after G. Eyadema). The President of the People's Republic of China visited Gabon for the first time. Ping's father is Chinese. During the visit, 3 agreements were signed: on gratuitous assistance for $ 1.2 million, on an interest-free loan for $ 6 million, and on cooperation between Total-Gabon and Sinopec ^.20

In his speech to the Gabonese Parliament, Hu Jintao addressed not only Gabonese people, but also the whole of Africa. He focused on the principles that guided China in building relations with African countries for 40 years. Emphasizing that times are changing and Africa is progressing, Hu made three proposals for deepening China-Africa cooperation at the current stage:

1. Remain committed to the ideals of traditional friendship, giving a new impetus to Sino-African relations.

2. Continue to provide mutual assistance based on mutual benefits for the prosperity of relations. Provide all possible assistance to African countries without any political conditions.

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3. Deepen cooperation to jointly protect the rights and interests of developing countries.

forum

A new stage in China's relations with African countries was the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (Ministerial Conference), a new format of cooperation similar to the France - Africa Summit, the Africa - EU Forum, and the TICAD conference. For the first time, such a forum was held from October 10 to 12, 2000 in Beijing.

The conference adopted the Beijing Declaration and Program of China-Africa Cooperation on Social and Economic Development, which provided for increasing China's assistance to African countries and reducing the debt burden of 31 African countries by $ 1.27 billion. Almost all the commitments made by the Chinese side during the forum were fulfilled. In 2000-2003, 245 agreements on economic assistance were signed. The African Human Resources Development Fund has been established, and more than 7,000 Africans have completed internships in China under its programs. Investment, Growth and Trade Promotion Centers have been established in ¹¹ African countries21 .

In July 2001, Zambia developed a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of decisions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. This document was ratified by African countries and entered into force in April 2002. It provides for the forum to be convened every three years, alternately in China and Africa. Between them, two high-level meetings are planned to be held at intervals of 1 year. To ensure the forum's decisions, the Chinese side established a corresponding committee in December 2000, which included representatives of 21 ministries. Similar committees have been established in a number of African countries.

The second forum was held on December 15-16, 2003 in Addis Ababa. The Chinese delegation was led by Premier Wen Jiabao, while the African side was represented by a number of heads of State, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of 44 countries of the continent and the Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, A. W. Konare. During the forum, a number of investment projects of the PRC on the continent were approved, including in Nigeria (construction of a sugar factory and pharmaceutical laboratory), in Ethiopia (sugar and cement plants), in Rwanda (cement plant), in Uganda (cotton plant), in Sudan (power lines and hydroelectric power station construction), in Cape Verde (cement factory), etc.

As a result of the second forum, China and 45 African countries signed the "Addis Ababa Action Plan", which defines the main areas of cooperation and specific tasks for the period from 2004 to 2006, when the 3rd forum will be held in Beijing.

In particular, it is planned to intensify cooperation in maintaining peace and security. The People's Republic of China has pledged to participate more actively in peacekeeping operations in Africa, as well as to provide financial, material and educational support to the African Union Peace and Security Council. By supporting the fight against terrorism, the People's Republic of China is committed to supporting the establishment of a center for research on terrorism in Algeria. Africa has also enlisted China's support for WTO accession, implementation of the NEPAD program, development of the continent's agriculture (a work plan on agricultural cooperation for 2004-2006 will be developed), education, health and culture (joint cultural events will be planned).²² .

At the first forum, the "foundations of a new international political and economic order" were developed, and at the second, a conference was held with the participation of more than 400 African and Chinese entrepreneurs ^.23

The experience of holding the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation could also be used by the Russian Federation, which in recent years has resumed the practice of providing assistance (food, etc.) to African countries, and is restoring cooperation in the field of education. During such meetings, the leaders of the country could announce new initiatives of Russia to provide assistance to the countries of the continent. Such forums would also help establish business contacts between Russian and African companies.

THROUGH THE MEDIATION OF BRAZIL

China takes a special approach in its relations with the Portuguese-speaking countries of the continent. In October 2003, Beijing hosted the first Forum on Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, which brought together politicians and entrepreneurs from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East timor24 . Among other things, China has enlisted the support of Brazil, which has recently been actively moving into Portuguese-speaking African countries25 .

GRATUITOUS AID AND LOANS

In the early 1990s, the PRC revised the mechanisms for providing assistance to African countries, which became much broader and more diverse, more relevant to modern realities:

1. Gratuitous assistance. It is provided in the form of direct financial assistance, or the construction of socially significant facilities (schools, hospitals, residential buildings, wells). It also includes humanitarian assistance in emergency situations.

2. Concessional lending. The Government of the People's Republic of China, based on intergovernmental agreements, provides interest-free or practically interest-free loans, financing the difference with the market interest rate through state-owned Chinese banks as part of the assistance. Thanks to extensive concessional lending programs, Chinese businesses are now in the most favorable conditions in African countries.

3. Creation of joint ventures. This is the most comprehensive and effective method of providing development assistance, combining both gratuitous assistance, concessional lending, and investment resources (including private companies). The state creates only favorable political and, partially, financial conditions (by providing loans) for the direct operation of companies in China and Africa. The joint venture is managed according to the laws of the market, i.e. the assistance provided is "not wasted". Jobs are being created, the country's GDP is growing, and the volume of mutual trade is increasing. This is by far the most attractive mechanism for providing assistance.

Africa accounts for 44% of China's foreign aid. It is noteworthy that the PRC singled out the CAR immediately after the overthrow of the A.-F. regime. Patasse 2.25 million euros in ap-

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October 2003 and another 1.4 million euros in November 2003 for the payment of civil servants ' salaries ²⁶ .

CHINESE SPECIALISTS

Over the past 40 years, China has sent 18,000 doctors to 65 countries in Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Oceania, most of them in Africa. They saw more than 240 million patients. Currently, 1,100 people in 42 health teams work in ⁴⁰ African countries27 .

Chinese doctors have to work in extremely difficult conditions. There are cases when they themselves become ill with tropical diseases and die. So Shen Zhikong, a member of the 4th group of Chinese doctors in the CAR, died. Despite this, his son Shen Hong followed in his father's footsteps and became a member of the 9th Chinese Medical Team in CAR ²⁸ .

At the same time as sending its specialists, China is transferring medical equipment and medicines to African countries, as well as building medical centers served mainly by Chinese specialists.

In addition to medical specialists, agronomists, construction workers, and technicians are sent to African countries to operate structures built under the framework of Sino-African cooperation.

PARTICIPATION IN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

After Liberia broke off relations with Taiwan in October 2003 and restored them with the PRC, China decided to send 550 of its soldiers to the UN Mission in Liberia. This is the largest participation of the People's Republic of China in UN peacekeeping operations ever conducted ^.29 In April 2003, the PRC sent a 175-man engineering company and a 43-man medical team to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in the UN peacekeeping operation. ³⁰

In the future, as China's interest in the African continent grows, its participation in peacekeeping operations will undoubtedly increase.

WHAT HINDERS COOPERATION?

One of the main obstacles to the development of Sino-African relations is the issue of Taiwan. The PRC automatically breaks off relations with those who establish them with Taiwan. In addition, there are a number of political and socio-economic problems in African countries that hinder the intensification of cooperation. Among them, first of all, are numerous conflicts on the continent, which often involve several states at once. Conflicts only slow down the development of the world's already poorest countries.

In turn, the PRC also has many socio-economic problems associated with the low standard of living of the main part of its population.

However, in general, there are no special obstacles to bilateral cooperation.

conclusions

At the turn of the XXI century. China has become one of the most active players on the African continent, in fact, taking the place of the USSR.

One of the reasons for the decline in trade and economic relations between Russia and Africa was the reform of Russian industry. In the 1990s, many companies, including large ones, were on the verge of survival, the economy was experiencing a crisis of non-payment, etc.There was no need to talk about entering foreign markets (and especially African ones) in such conditions. The same companies that managed to get any financial profit from their activities, directed it to the privatization of enterprises that remained in state ownership. At that time, these were the most efficient investments.

However, the situation is changing, and now many of our companies are concerned about the problem of entering foreign markets. Russian automakers have already set up a number of assembly plants in the countries of the continent.

In this regard, it is extremely important to select the best that China has achieved in Africa and use this experience, whether it is through aid programs, cooperation forums, and much more. After all, the number of Africans who studied in the USSR (Russia) is still not less than those who were educated in the PRC. This gives us a chance to look forward to other areas of our cooperation with the African continent.

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¹ Chic, les Chinois reviennent! Elise Colette, Gilles Yabi. - "Jeune Afrique l'lntelligent", N 2246 du 25 au 31 Janvier 2004.

² Hu Jintao l'Africain. - Moniqie Mas, Radio France Internationale. 30.01.2004.

³ Visite du President Chinois en Afrique. "Le temps avance et l'Afrique progresse". Benedicte Chatel. - "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

⁴ Chine-Afrique. Pourquoi Hu Jintao a choisi le Gabon. Jean-Dominique Geslin. - "Jeune Afrique l'lntelligent", N 2248 du 08 au 14 fevrier 2004.

⁵ L'appel de Libreville. - Moniqie Mas, Radio France Internationale. 03.02.2004.

⁶ L'Afrique sera-t-elle emergente? Lamia Kamal-Chaoui. - "OCDE Observateur", 25 septembre 2000.

⁷ Les relations Sino-africaines: Defis et perspectives futures. Nabil Mohamed Emara. - Perspectives Africains, Egypte, 4-eme partie 14 edition, 2003.

⁸ West Africa: China Becomes Second Largest Exporter. - PANA, 26 June 2003.

⁹ Chine-Afrique: Feuille de route pour une cooperation Sud-Sud. -"Marches Tropicaux", N 3034 du 2 Janvier 2004.

¹⁰ "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

¹¹ Harare cherche touristes desesperement. Muriel Signouret. - "Jeune Afrique l'Intelligent", N 2258 du 18 au 24 avril 2004.

¹² "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

¹³ Ibid.

¹⁴ Confidences de Omar Bongo Ondimba. "Alain Juppe reste mon ami!" -"Jeune Afrique l'lntelligent", N 2249 du 15 au 21 fevrier 2004.

¹⁵ Regard retrospectif sur les relations amicales entre la Chine et l'Algerie. - China.org.cn, 04 fevrier 2004.

¹⁶ "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

¹⁷ Fin de la visite d'Etat du president chinois en Algerie. - Xinhuanet, 05 fevrier 2004.

¹⁸ Chine-Afrique. Pourquoi Hu Jintao...

¹⁹ Le Gabon et Sinopec signent un accord d'evaluation de trois blocs petroliers. - AFP, 03 fevrier 2004.

²⁰ Forum Chine-Afrique: "des resultats rejouissants" enregistres depuis 2000. - Xinhuanet, 16 decembre 2003.

²¹ Diplomatie. Lula l'Africain. Elise Colette. - "Jeune Afrique l'lntelligent", N 2235 du 09 au 15 novembre 2003.

²² Ibid.

²³ "Jeune Afrique l'lntelligent", N 2258 du 18 au 24 avril 2004.

²⁴ Ibid.

²⁵ Bresil-Afrique. La "dette" envers Г Afrique. - "Marches Tropicaux", N 3030 du 5 decembre 2003.

²⁶ "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

²⁷ L'amitie entre les medecins chinois et les Africains. - Xinhuanet, 29 decembre 2003.

²⁸ Ibid.

²⁹ "Marches Tropicaux", N 3040 du 13 fevrier 2004.

³⁰ Chine-Afrique. Pourquoi Hu Jintao...

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