U.S.-Sino Dialogue on African Affairs: A Necessary Reality

Timothy J Stalker and Dr. Won Paik

Department of Political Science

Mutual Dependence: China and America Need Resources for Growth Developed and

industrialized nations have become economically dependant on oil imports

The USA has relied on oil imports for decades

China is a new industrial power and has become a large consumer and importer of petroleum

Daily Oil Consumption

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

USA China Japan Russia Germany IndiaT

ho

usa

nd

s o

f B

arre

ls

2000 2006

Africa’s New Importance to the World Economy The U.S. is the number one

investor in Africa and a major trading partner and donor in the region

Chinese trade, aid and investment in Africa have increased rapidly

Thesis: U.S.-Sino dialogue on African affairs is essential and beneficial

Oil Imports from Africa

14.7

18.919.5

23.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

USA China

% o

f T

ota

l Oil

Imp

ort

s

2000 2006

Beyond Oil: Africa’s Geo-strategic Importance to America

1. Terrorism: Northern African nations are courted to help in anti-terrorism activities

2. The Sino Threat: There is a growing fear China will replace America in the region and destroy prospects for a democratic and peaceful Africa

3. Development: The U.S. supplies many forms of aid to African nations in the pursuit of easing human suffering and jump starting economic growth and development

Why is China Showing a Renewed Interest in Africa Beyond Resources?1. South-South Cooperation (third world

solidarity) as a means for economic growth and development

2. Creation of a New World Order based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence

3. The One China Policy: Taiwan is a part of the PRC not an independent nation

Effect Increased U.S.-Sino Activity Will Have on African Populace China: Access to cheap goods v. competition U.S.-China: Will petrol-dollars trickle down to the poorest? China: Resource revenues, loans and “resources for aid” could strengthen

authoritarian governments or promote economic development African nations may have the opportunity to use this increased interest to bring

society out of poverty and reach the first rung on the ladder of development

Bilateral Trade Between China and Africa 2000-2006

10

18

50

10

18

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2000 2003 2006

Valu

e in

$B

illio

ns

Chinese FDI in Africa 2003-2006

78.81

317.43

391.68

519.86

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2003 2004 2005 2006

Val

ue

in $

Mill

ion

s

How to Determine if Mutual Benefit From Cooperation Exists? Historical Analysis of U.S.-Sino Foreign

Relations With Africa Comparison of Current Foreign Policy

Objectives Examine impact of increased U.S.-Sino

activity (aid, trade and FDI) on Africa Two Poles: Collaboration v. Competition

The Search for Overlap in U.S.-Sino Aid, Trade and FDI in Africa Overlap = added incentive for collaboration in

foreign policy or possible clash for foreign policy centered on competition

No Overlap = less incentive for cooperation in foreign policy and less likely that a competition would arise from foreign policy centered on self-interest

Why Care About the Impact of U.S.-Sino FP on African Development? Mutual benefit from increased purchasing

power of Africans to buy U.S. and Chinese goods

Stability and Peace = stable oil market which is good for all

The United States of The World: One World and One People the obligation to our fellow humans

Conclusion: What is There to Lose? U.S. and China have similar policy objectives in

Africa but different means to reach goals. Africa: Opportunity to solve problems with help of

two powerful nations and to prevent harmful competition

China: Chance to increase international prestige and appearance in the developed world

Unites States: quell fears of China’s rise in Africa and better relations with the third world

No dialogue= status quo

U.S.-Sino Dialogue on African Affairs: A Necessary Reality

Questions?