In this study, we argue that an approach which will reconcile the two opposing camps in Sino-African relations and bring the most progress is a “middle passage” that greases contradictions and offers an accommodative, balanced and pragmatic vision on which Africans can unite. We present a case under which countries can substantially enhance the prospect of development if an African consensus builds on a merger between the Western and Chinese models. We balance national interest with human rights, sovereign authority with individual rights and economic goals with political rights. The chapter presents arguments on the need for a development paradigm in Africa that reconciles the Washington Consensus with the Beijing Model. The analytical framework is organised in three main strands, notably: (i) historical perspectives and contemporary views; (ii) reconciliation of dominant schools of thought and paradigms surrounding Sino-African relations and (iii) practical and contemporary implications. Reconciled schools of thought are engaged in four main categories: optimists versus (vs.) pessimists; preferences in rights (human vs. national, idiosyncratic vs. sovereign and political vs. economic) and the Beijing model vs. the Washington Consensus.

The role of China must be understood in the context of competing and intensified global energy politics, in which the US, India and China are among the key players vying for security of supply. Contrary to popular representation, China's role in Africa is much more than this however, opening up new choices for African development for the first time since

Bilateral or multilateral relationships among nations or regional blocs are changing rapidly. For instance, Chinese interest in Africa, which began since the early part of the 21st Century, have assumed incredible dimensions. Since then, the growing Chinese footprints in Africa have orchestrated various debates within the academia and public policy experts, describing their relationship as a “major geopolitical feature” in this era of a globalised world. A situation that calls for understanding of the nature of their relationship with a view of creating an integrated African policy framework to tackle perceived negative trends of Chinese role in the Continent vis-à-vis the developmental challenges of African States. Such views have been quite diverse and contentious over the years. Quite a number of views suggests that China’s new relationship with the Continent is a substitute to Western relationship that can offer the needed partnership for the most needed economic growth and infr...

Is Chinese partnership beneficial to African nations? Simple or definitive answers to this question have eluded scholars, despite years of earnest research. Academic responses have not been uniform – often the only fact that can be agreed on is that Chinese-African relations are becoming increasingly important and prominent. A dominant narrative has arisen that paints China as an aggressor or even neocolonialist, coming to the continent to reap its abundant natural resources, empowering antidemocratic strongmen along the way. This viewpoint is reflected strongly by a non-academic community of Western policymakers and some journalists who are deeply concerned about the relative decline of Western influence and the prospect of Western political values being replaced by Chinese-style autocracy in Africa. The responding narrative, pushed by Chinese officials and several African leaders, argues that Sino-African relations are mutually beneficial and based on common respect for sovereign rule. Yet China’s approach to African nations is too complex to adhere fully to either narrative; on the ground, China’s engagement with African nations varies widely. This study seeks to offer a third perspective; that partnership with China has largely positive effects for African economies but a somewhat negative effect on African governance.

China has emerged as the largest investor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Chinese capital has funded numerous projects in various sectors of African economies, especially in the extractive industries. China has also become Africa’s largest trading partner and Beijing’s development assistance has increased significantly. Yet, while the region celebrates the discovery of a new “partner in development”, a debate has emerged about the long-term implications of Chinese investment for governance in the region. Unlike western capital which comes with intrusive human rights and governance-related conditionalities, China de-emphasizes these conditions in line with the principles of the “China-Africa Partnership” and in the process encouraging authoritarian governance. This article makes two central arguments: Beijing’s engagement with SubSaharan Africa is motivated more by a preservation of China’s national interest rather than a genuine desire to assist Africa, and China’s current policy of condonin...