Emerging complexities and ambiguities of Chinese aid: the case of Southern Africa

Abstract

This article examines the content of various forms of Chinese involvement in selected Southern African countries (Zimbabwe and Botswana) and their impact on development, peace and security. Evidence is gathered through a triangulation of qualitative data collection and analytical techniques that include content analysis of purposely selected media reports, policy documents and publications. The findings show that China is progressively becoming one of the Africa‘s most important economic and political partners through the provision of development loans, technical aid transfers and private investment across all the sectors particularly natural resources. The motives for Chinese involvement in Africa have never come in fixed and stable proportions. The main forces behind China’s involvement are both economic and political. The central argument of this paper is that China’s increasing presence in Southern Africa which is greatly influenced by its policy of ‘non-interference’ has had double-edged effects for regional integration, peace and security. The China-Africa nexus has inevitably become both an asset and liability for peace and security. Using Michel Foucault’s Power and Dominance framework, the article argues that China uses its ‘soft’ power as a ‘global governmentality’ strategy to exert its geo-political influence both regionally and internationally.