There has been less and less talk about China’s Belt and Road Initiative benefiting everyone who is involved. Questions are being asked about China’s motives and whether it only benefits them.
But as we celebrate the initiative’s five-year anniversary this year, we asked, is it win-win cooperation?
Wherever you are right now, there is a high probability something around you was imported from China. You might be using some electronics, in a shopping mall, or driving your car (hopefully not whilst reading this) but no matter what, there is a very big chance you are close to something made from there. This isn’t a new phenomenon of course. China is the number one exporting country in the world, exporting more than $2,157,000 million worth of goods in 2017 alone. Yet how these goods are being transported to European shopping malls, supermarkets and homes, is new. Last month, the China-Europe Express, sometimes referred to as the China-Europe Freight Train, reached a significant milestone, when it clocked its 10,000th journey from Wuhan, in central China, to Europe. Previously, goods from China had always arrived into Europe in the back of a freight plane or stowed in the bow of a ship. The reason for this was simple, air freight was significantly quicker than train and ship freight was a lot cheaper. Yet now, more and more trade between China and Europe is being done along the Belt and Road (B&R) using freight trains, which is reducing costs and increasing delivery speed. From Yilin to London, Xi’an to Hamburg Since 2013 B&R has been connecting China with the rest of […]
Sep 26, 2018
The 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit opened on Monday afternoon with President Xi Jinping delivering a keynote speech titled, Work Together for Common Development and a Shared Future. The following three points really impressed me. Δ Chinese President Xi Jinping (C, back) meets the press together with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L, back) and Senegalese President Macky Sall, former and new African co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), after the conclusion of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The relationship between FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was clearly expressed. Since the BRI was proposed in 2013, many African governments have been very concerned about the position of FOCAC. Xi’s speech made it clear that FOCAC will continue and will not be replaced by the BRI. In fact, the BRI is providing new strategic opportunities for all African countries. Through the convergence of the BRI with the African Union Agenda 2063, the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the development strategies of all African countries, Africa will surely be integrated into the implementation of the BRI and support its development goals. Actually, the aim of FOCAC and the BRI is consistent: common development through […]
Sep 7, 2018
President Xi used the speech to reaffirm the “China-Africa big family”.
Sep 4, 2018
What is the alternative to China’s role in developing the infrastructure of African countries and establishing industrial zones? To all the countries that criticize China’s role in Africa, particularly the United States, have you offered an alternative solution to African problems?
Sep 4, 2018
Why is Agricultural Cooperation along the Belt and Road necessary? How China’s techniques made the wheat yield growth in Pakistan?
Sep 3, 2018
“Thanks to the aid provided by China, our country has undergone significant changes.”
Sep 2, 2018
“China is providing us the technology, the equipment, and of course the financial assistance, which is helping promote the development of African countries.”
Sep 1, 2018
We Are One: When China Meets Africa China Focus: When we talk about China, what do you think of first? Sedou Mama Ague: China is a big and beautiful country. The Chinese people are wonderful and friendly. China has made tremendous achievements, and China is currently appearing in every corner of the world. Specifically, China’s information and communication technologies have brought tremendous convenience to our society today. China, its industries, and its products have made it easy for us to have access to mobile phones. Even the poorest people in Africa, in Benin, have access to a mobile phone. The Chinese have drastically reduced the price of mobile phones. Thanks to the cooperation with Chinese people, today even the poorest people in Africa know what mobile phones are, and they also use them to communicate and access information in their daily lives. China Focus: In your opinion, to what degree have Benin people accepted the Chinese culture in Benin? Sedou Mama Ague: There are Chinese people in Benin who are into trading, and there are Chinese people who are in the art industry. They live among the people of Benin, and they work very well with us, just like you. Benin is a small country, our culture is rich, but it is not as diverse as in China. There are […]
Sep 1, 2018
While still a work in progress, FOCAC, with leaders of its members gathering in Beijing this September for the Third Summit, will offer a milestone in the life of the organization.
Aug 30, 2018
“When we trade with China, it’s win-win cooperation, and this equal partnership is benefitting Africa more.”
Aug 28, 2018
“I think China is playing a key role in the development of Africa, and in particular Zimbabwe.”
Aug 28, 2018