The
Chinese foreign aid being distributed in Africa and other parts of the world
shows that a economic shift is occurring and has been for over a decade. More
and more countries have become involved with aid and have become donors. For
example, along with China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa are major
aid donors and countries such as Venezuela, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey
have begun to have a more significant role in foreign aid. Despite these
countries participating in foreign aid, China is by far the largest current
donor and gives out more money than the World Bank.
Many
of the donors listed above have been giving aid for an extended amount of time
however; this aid was in the form of technical cooperation and knowledge
sharing instead of large amounts of money being funneled into other countries’
governments. China, which is currently the world’s biggest donor, is often
criticized for the strategies they use and the alliances they form with
questionable governments. In April of 2011, China released its first white
paper on foreign aid that disclosed where China was sending their financial aid
and discouraged any questionable uses for the aid that was being given and
discloses the missions for the aid being distributed. China may have been shy
about disclosing where their aid reaches but they have no problem addressing
the idea that financial aid is both ethical and humanitarian. While the foreign
aid being provided does reach those who are in need, the aid also helps
countries gain political leverage around the globe.
I
chose this article because we have been discussing China in Africa and whether
or not the aid being provided was helpful and hurtful. Although China gives
billions of dollars away in foreign aid, some of their arrangements and
business deals have kept questionable leaders in power and have allegedly
started famines and outbreaks of violence. Is the aid China is offering truly
to help those in need or is it simply a self-perpetuating plan to further
extend China’s economic wealth and power?
Are China's foreign aid incentives any different than other countries such as the United States? There are many cases where the United States has supported a country to keep a less than good leader in power in the Cold War era. Also, should they be obligated to give aid with with no incentive for themselves? It doesn't seem like China would give as much as they have to foreign countries if they did not have a selfish reason to do so.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! I think that because China is such a fast growing economy and is becoming an economic super power of the world, they are using foreign aid as a mechanism to increase their economic power. I am sure that the particular countries they are giving aid money to have viable resources, that China could use to continue their economic growth. By helping these destitute countries with these viable resources grow economically, it will then in turn help China's economy grow. I don't think their incentives are based soley on helping other countries, but more so their own. Although, it almost doesn't even matter because regardless if China is doing it for their own economic growth, they are still helping other countries grow their economies too.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the distribution of aid by the Chinese has both political and economic motivations. They need allies in the UN to secure favorable outcomes on controversial votes. By lending money to countries in Africa, they are building valuable allies on the world stage that will help them on the political realm. Also, the form of the Chinese aid is much different that the aid given by the west. It does not have conditionalities attached to it, and it is primarily infrastructure focused. The Chinese are using their model, which helped them raise millions out of poverty at home to try and boost the economies of African countries. Their economic motivation in this aspect is satisfied by the fact that by helping out developing countries, they are creating new markets and helping build potential allies economies. To answer your question, as a growing power, no move is made out of the goodness of the hearts of the Chinese government. They have a carefully planned strategy and are positioning themselves for the future. It’s a game of chess, not charity.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article, Dani. Think the question of aid in Africa is one that one can wrestle with, as it has many sides and considerations. Upon examination of the issue one can see that economic motivations unfortunately drive many events on the international level, especially in developing nations, where they are hit the hardest.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article, Dani. Think the question of aid in Africa is one that one can wrestle with, as it has many sides and considerations. Upon examination of the issue one can see that economic motivations unfortunately drive many events on the international level, especially in developing nations, where they are hit the hardest.
ReplyDeleteI think aid from China definitely has its pros and cons. Especially when giving aid to oil-rich states, I think that exchanging infrastructure projects for that oil is a great idea. Although, I do think that China should pay closer attention to the actions of these governments and how they are treating this citizens. When exchanging these projects, they should happen with conditions in which that state should abide by. Make sure the government is trying to provide the capacity of the country while providing social services to its people. Perhaps look at how Botswana has been able to manage its natural resources while still providing for its citizens.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to discern whether the benefits of Chinese aid outweigh the downsides. As we read the purpose of their aid is for "mutual benefit", but China's involvement in several African countries seem to be hindering their business with a takeover mindset. Perhaps this is worth getting roads built, etc. or maybe we will observe their aid take a harsh toll in the long run.
ReplyDelete