China’s Rise Abroad
While many of us acknowledge China’s rise as a economic and military superpower, many of us have not realized the extent of China’s influence and reach in other countries, especially Africa and Latin America. In recent weeks, I came across some pictures that testify to China’s rising power abroad. Just in the last year China has seen 23.4% (Reuters) increase in foreign direct investments. What is less obvious is Chinese foreign direct investments in other countries. These pictures are truly eye openers to China’s economic reach in developing countries.
Sudam/Mozambique where Chinese state-owned companies have invested heavily in farming and infrastructure.
Ecuador where Chinese state-owned enterprises have invested in dam to be built in the Ecuadorian amazon.
Mozambique Chinese logging activities has contributed to the deforestation of 25% of central Mozambique.
Angola Chinese construction companies have been awarded contracts to build four stadiums for the Africa Cup. Chinese diplomats often portray themselves as a alternative to Western powers.
These pictures are from ForeignPolicy.com, the link is here.
Great post!
Cornell’s Institute for African Development is hosting an entire series of seminars this spring on the relationship between China and Africa. The two remaining seminar times are posted below:
Institute for African Development Seminar: Marilou Uy, “China, Africa, and the World Bank: Partners in a Journey of Discovery”
Thursday, Mar. 10, 2:30 – 4:00 PM, G08 Uris Hall. Details: http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/eastasia/calendar/index.asp?id=13754
Institute for African Development Seminar: Benedicte Vibe Christensen, “China in Africa: A Macroeconomic Perspective”
Thursday, Apr. 7, 2:30 – 4:00 PM, G08 Uris Hall. Details: http://www.cornell.edu/events/profile.cfm?id=38464
This article brings a unique point to mind, which is that China may be in the best position of all developed countries to quickly become one of the most formidable economic and political forces in the world.
Why?
They’ve been able to learn from the mistakes of others.
Watching the world economies wax and wane for the last 150 years before finally taking dramatic steps to improve infrastructure and manufacturing/distribution might have been one of most critical things the country has ever done; albeit inadvertently.
Nice write-up. China is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with and its contributions to the world as a whole cannot be denied. I guess we need to give them more credit. Cheers!