China and Africa : a century of engagement / David H. Shinn and Joshua Eisenman.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 383-497) and index.

1. Introduction --- 2. A Historical Overview of China-Africa Relations --- 3. Political Relations --- 4. Trade Relations --- 5. Investment and Assistance --- 6. Military and Security Ties and Peacekeeping Missions --- 7. Media, Education, and Cultural Relations and Ties with Chinese Communities in Africa --- 8. China's Relations with North Africa and the Sahel --- 9. China's Relations with East Africa, the Horn, and the Indian Ocean Islands --- 10. China's Relations with West and Central Africa --- 11. China's Relations with Southern Africa --- 12. Conclusion: Looking Forward ---- Appendix 1. Establishment of PRC Relations with African Countries --- Appendix 2. Trade Between Africa and China, 1938-2010.

This title examines all facets of China's relationship with each of the 54 African nations. It reviews the history of China's relations with the continent, looking back past the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

The People's Republic of China once limited its involvement in African affairs to building an occasional railroad or port, supporting African liberation movements, and loudly proclaiming socialist solidarity with the downtrodden of the continent. Now Chinese diplomats and Chinese companies, both state-owned and private, along with an influx of Chinese workers, have spread throughout Africa. This shift is one of the most important geopolitical phenomena of our time. China and Africa: A Century of Engagement presents a comprehensive view of the relationship between this powerful Asian nation and the countries of Africa. This book, the first of its kind to be published since the 1970s, examines all facets of China's relationship with each of the fifty-four African nations. It reviews the history of China's relations with the continent, looking back past the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It looks at a broad range of areas that define this relationship--politics, trade, investment, foreign aid, military, security, and culture--providing a significant historical backdrop for each. David H. Shinn and Joshua Eisenman's study combines careful observation, meticulous data analysis, and detailed understanding gained through diplomatic experience and extensive travel in China and Africa. China and Africa demonstrates that while China's connection to Africa is different from that of Western nations, it is no less complex. Africans and Chinese are still developing their perceptions of each other, and these changing views have both positive and negative dimensions. -- Jacket.