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

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

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

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?