Qinwen Gao

Interests and Friendship: Perspectives from Chinese People in Africa on Their African Engagement Qinwen Gao

China?s recent engagement in Africa has attracted a lot of attention. China has become a major economic force in Africa with a big amount of trade, investment and aid. Some criticisms, if not a demonization of China, often use a double-standard to measure the Chinese engagement in Africa compared with the Western one. This study tries to find information from the executors of the Chinese engagement in Africa and to make a balanced appraisal. To achieve mutual benefits and to develop the China-Africa relationship in a sustainable way, both China and Africa need to regulate the cooperation, especially when the scope is broader and the actors are diversified. Since the regulation of Chinese engagement in favor of African economy and citizens depends particularly on Africa, African countries should get motivated. A lack of an appropriate way of development is the most pressing problem for Africa. If the Sino-African relations are well managed, China could be helpful in many aspects.