There is a growing sense among Africans and Chinese alike that their once heady romance is now entering a new, more pragmatic phase. Across Africa, people and politicians are becoming visibly more concerned about the surging trade deficits, massive loan debts, persistent labor rights violations, and a changing immigrant demography that may be beyond their control. China, for its part, is uncharacteristically humble in its assessments of the situation, describing it as “growing pains” and admitting that some of its people in Africa are undermining bilateral ties. Nairobi-based Sino-African consultant Huang Hongxiang joins us to talk about new challenges ahead.
Recommendations
- “Chinese Aware of Imbalance in Their Trade With Africa,” Nicholas Kotch, Business Day, July 24, 2014
- “Ugandans Begin to Question the High Price of the Growing China-Africa Pact,” Patience Akumu, The Guardian, July 26, 2014