A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STRATEGIES OF EUROPEAN COLONIALISM AND CONTEMPORARY CHINESE ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STRATEGIES OF EUROPEAN COLONIALISM AND CONTEMPORARY CHINESE ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA

Summary/Abstract: : The China-Africa Cooperation Forum has led to a steady expansion in bilateral trade.Criticism has been directed at China's expansion into Africa for its promotion of unstable governmentsand its exploitation of the continent's resources. However, the effects of European colonialism continueto be felt in the form of economic dominance, political interference, and military occupation, despitethe fact that the majority of African states achieved independence between 1945 and 1960. China'sglobal strategy to exert influence is significantly influenced by its involvement in Africa, which ischaracterized by economic investments, political influence, and social dominance. Europeancolonialism and Chinese involvement in Africa share similarities; however, they employ distinctmethodologies. While operating within the confines of international conventions and its historical statusas a developing nation, China implements indirect strategies, including bilateral trade agreements andinvestments. The historical European colonialism and Chinese involvement in Africa are compared inthis study. China's involvement is devoid of direct political and economic authority over African nationsand geographical dominance. Using a comparative approach, the study explores the involvement ofEuropean colonialism and China in Africa, with a focus on the similarities, differences, observations,and conclusions. The soft power strategy of China, which encompasses trade, investment, financial aid,and cultural influence, is in stark contrast to the methods of assimilation and direct governanceemployed by European colonizers in Africa. In order to prevent being depicted in a negative light bythe West, China's foreign policy toward Africa prioritizes history and peaceful ascension, which arerooted in historical ties that date back to the Han dynasty. The study concludes that, despite the factthat European colonialism and Chinese engagement in Africa share some similarities, they employdistinct strategies.

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