China has done much good in Africa. Through direct investment, they have enabled many African countries to improve their infrastructure. Chinese companies have extracted raw materials from the resource rich Africans and provided jobs to locals. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that many aspects of Chinese influence aren’t all they’re cracked out to be, and the struggle between Chinese and African interests is becoming ever more evident.
On August 4th,
workers in a Zambian coalmine killed their Chinese supervisor, running him over
with a mining cart, over a misunderstanding regarding minimum wage laws (Wonacott). At the same mine in 2010, 13 workers were
shot by Chinese managers over a similar dispute (Wonacott). African countries
continue to raise minimum wages and increase regulations on largely Chinese
operated industries. Many Chinese businessmen argue that it is becoming more
and more expensive to operate in Africa. Instead of abiding by local laws, Corporations
ignore many of the regulations in place (Moore). Union leaders are often
given brides, as too are the local bureaucrats who are supposed to be enforcing
those laws. The Chinese are also notorious for the cheap means of production. Recently, a Chinese made hospital in Nigeria was abandoned after cracks in the wall formed (Moore). The quantity over quality approach of the Chinese may not necessarily be beneficial to the people of Africa. Chinese influence in Africa is encouraging corruption and
business malpractice, which have plagued Africa since the days of colonialism (Moore).
I chose to
write about this topic because of the conflict of interest between Chinese
businesses and African countries. The Chinese are trying to get as much money out of Africa as possible, which wouldn't be so bad if they were also abiding by the local laws and regulations. However, African countries well intentioned means of creating a better life for their people often end up creating the opposite. Africa cannot improve their economy significantly without help from the outside, but they shouldn't do so by undermining their sovereignty. If Africa truly wants change, it can't look past companies that largely ignore their laws and buy out the local bureaucrats. This is more of the same old approach that has hindered Africa for generations.
Works Cited
Moore, M. "Trying to Pull Together." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 20 Apr. 2011. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. <http://www.economist.com/node/18586448>.
Wonacott, Peter. "Chinese Investment Brings Jobs, Conflict to Zambia Mines." Online.wsj.com. Wall Street Journal, 5 Sept. 2012. Web. 2 Dec. 2012. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444082904577609161447720808.html>.
China does seem to be involved in some shady business transactions in Africa. The issue with singling them out is that they are not the only ones. Corrupt business practices are rife throughout the continent through large profit incentives and lax domestic policies. Countries in the region should help their populations by putting in legislation that has repercussions for companies doing shady activities.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this may look to be another business based corruption from a foreign country exploiting African resources China has done a lot for local areas and supporting local populations. In order for these business practices to return to a more smooth operations larger amounts of the profits that the Chinese company is making must be returned the local workers and profits also need to be pushed towards investments in local towns in order to increase the living situations of towns that prosper on those resources.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between China's foreign policy and the US's foreign policy when dealing with Africa? I'd say both countries behave rather similarly.
ReplyDeleteBut if local bureaucrats are being bought-out by these corporations, who can citizens turn in order to help enforce these laws that are supposed to protect them? Business practices throughout Africa among many corporations (both Chinese and non-Chinese alike) is shady, sure, but they're aided and abetted by a corrupt system in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI want to make it clear that I'm not at all arguing that this is the fault of African people themselves, rather, pointing out the awful complexity of the issue.
I agree with Charlotte, it is a double edged sword and corruption is on both sides. I worry about Africa's future and the Chinese. What is going to happen when China takes everything it wants from Africa? Most likely it is just going to abandon it and leave it in the same or worst state it was in before them. Are the Chinese companies in Africa going to have similar affects colonization had on the continent?
ReplyDelete