Preparing for the next Forum for China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

As the 2009 summit of the Forum for China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) approaches, Dr Kerry Brown, senior fellow of the Asia Programme at Chatham House in London and Dr Zhang Chun, Research Fellow at the Shanghai Institute of International Affairs, have released a briefing note on the forthcoming meeting. In their note, the authors assess the likely outcomes from that meeting for the evolving, dynamic and complex relationship between China and Africa.

They point out that:

- China's involvement in African countries goes back many years. Relationships from the mid-1950s to the late-1970s were based more on emotional intimacy than that of the 1980s and the period after the Cold War. To some extent, the current relationship builds more on pragmatic economic considerations. China is already Africa's third largest trading partner.
- China is a complex actor, and Africa a complex continent. China, while predominantly state-led in its behaviour, differs depending on which country it works with in Africa, as well as how it works and what actors are involved, be they state or non-state companies.
- Some of this involvement has been positive, with major investment, under very flexible terms, going to aid projects. Some has been highly problematic, causing damage to China's reputation.
- In the coming years, China will almost certainly increase its interests in Africa.

In view of the above and as African leaders prepare for this important summit, the China–Africa Watch editorial team would like to invite our readers to share their views on the report and opinions on the forthcoming 2009 FOCAC summit.
The full report can be downloaded at http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/files/14269_0609ch_af.pdf.

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