natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
What are the strategic drivers for China’s 'go out' policy in Africa?
What are the strategic drivers for China’s 'go out' policy in Africa?
First and foremost, oil.
First and foremost, oil.
China became the world’s second-largest oil consumer in 2003 and Chinese demand is expected to double by 2025.
China became the world’s second-largest oil consumer in 2003 and Chinese demand is expected to double by 2025.
Some 30% of China’s crude oil imports now come from Africa and oil accounts to 50% of Africa’s exports to China.
Some 30% of China’s crude oil imports now come from Africa and oil accounts to 50% of Africa’s exports to China.
Angola was, in 2006, China’s top African supplier, followed by Sudan and Congo -Brazzaville.
Angola was, in 2006, China’s top African supplier, followed by Sudan and Congo-Brazzaville.
China is also looking for other natural resources (uranium, copper, cobalt, ore and timber, etc.) and new markets.
China is also looking for other natural resources (uranium, copper, cobalt, ore and timber, etc.) and new markets.
Finally, China seeks to reinforce political leverage, gather endorsement for the “one China policy” and profile itself as a global power.
Finally, China seeks to reinforce political leverage, gather endorsement for the “one China policy” and profile itself as a global power.
Africa is particularly attractive because most African states lack the capacity to explore and control national resources, often rely on foreign expertise and investment and there are only limited regulatory constraints and competition.
Africa is particularly attractive because most African states lack the capacity to explore and control national resources, often rely on foreign expertise and investment and there are only limited regulatory constraints and competition.
‘South-south cooperation’ or ‘neo-colonialism’?
‘South-south cooperation’ or ‘neo-colonialism’?
China’s impact in Africa
China ’s impact in Africa
Beijing presents Sino-African relations as economic "win-win cooperation" between equal partners.
Beijing presents Sino-African relations as economic "win-win cooperation" between equal partners.
With a record of lifting millions of its own citizens out of poverty, China promotes an alternative state-directed model for development, which can be alluring in a continent where neo-liberal reforms imposed by the West failed and where many rulers are keen on centralising powers.
With a record of lifting millions of its own citizens out of poverty, China promotes an alternative state-directed model for development, which can be alluring in a continent where neo-liberal reforms imposed by the West failed and where many rulers are keen on centralising powers.
So far, China’s footprint in Africa has led to an increase in Chinese demand for raw materials, which pushed up commodity prices, and increased competition.
So far, China’s footprint in Africa has led to an increase in Chinese demand for raw materials, which pushed up commodity prices, and increased competition.
Moreover, China has made African friends with investments in the construction of badly-needed infrastructures.
Moreover, China has made African friends with investments in the construction of badly-needed infrastructures.
But there are also growing complaints about lost manufacturing capacity, low salaries, dire working conditions and lack of safety standards in Chinese-owned companies operating in Africa.
But there are also growing complaints about lost manufacturing capacity, low salaries, dire working conditions and lack of safety standards in Chinese-owned companies operating in Africa.
Chinese interest seems confined to resource-rich (or "resource-cursed") countries, bypassing a large number of other African nations.
Chinese interest seems confined to resource-rich (or "resource-cursed") countries, bypassing a large number of other African nations.
Moreover, soaring commodity prices benefit resource-rich countries but make life harder for the rest of the continent – and prices will not remain high forever.
Moreover, soaring commodity prices benefit resource-rich countries but make life harder for the rest of the continent – and prices will not remain high forever.
Chinese cheap products are reaching African markets, allowing people to make use of new technologies (e.g. mobile phones) and save on basic expenses (e.g. clothes) but also hampering African industries, with bankrupted factories aggravating unemployment, particularly in the textile sector (the so-called Chinese “textile tsunami”), through unfair competition caused by environmental and social dumping.
Chinese cheap products are reaching African markets, allowing people to make use of new technologies (e.g. mobile phones) and save on basic expenses (e.g. clothes) but also hampering African industries, with bankrupted factories aggravating unemployment, particularly in the textile sector (the so-called Chinese “textile tsunami”), through unfair competition caused by environmental and social dumping.
On aid and investment, Chinese assistance would often not qualify as aid according to DAC criteria.
On aid and investment, Chinese assistance would often not qualify as aid according to DAC criteria.
The much trumpeted 5 billion USD China-Africa Development Fund is indeed mostly aimed at supporting Chinese enterprises and their projects in the continent.
The much trumpeted 5 billion USD China-Africa Development Fund is indeed mostly aimed at supporting Chinese enterprises and their projects in the continent.
Chinese aid and investments are often tied and normally involve Chinese workers.
Chinese aid and investments are often tied and normally involve Chinese workers.
Chinese loans, frustrating efforts to link aid to human rights, democracy, and good governance, can also create difficulties for African governments, by tying up resources in the long term and reducing eligibility for IFI financing.
Chinese loans, frustrating efforts to link aid to human rights, democracy, and good governance, can also create difficulties for African governments, by tying up resources in the long term and reducing eligibility for IFI financing.
China’s investments and aid plans are obviously attractive to African partners.
China’s investments and aid plans are obviously attractive to African partners.
So is China’s veto power at the UNSC.
So is China’s veto power at the UNSC.
But this partnership can be much more beneficial if Africa is able to determine conditions: fair deals and proper management of the capital generated.
But this partnership can be much more beneficial if Africa is able to determine conditions: fair deals and proper management of the capital generated.
African countries can increase their bargaining power by negotiating jointly, hence the importance of organisations such as the AU or NEPAD.
African countries can increase their bargaining power by negotiating jointly, hence the importance of organisations such as the AU or NEPAD.
Illegal practices in resource exploitation, aggravated by the lack of capacity of African governments to supervise extractive activities, require greater transparency and accountability.
Illegal practices in resource exploitation, aggravated by the lack of capacity of African governments to supervise extractive activities, require greater transparency and accountability.
Africa should support the expansion of the scope of the EITI, moving from ‘publish what you pay’ to ‘publish what you damage’.
Africa should support the expansion of the scope of the EITI, moving from ‘publish what you pay’ to ‘publish what you damage’.
As for environmental impact, China continues to import illegal timber and ivory from African countries, and serious environmental damage is caused by Chinese projects, such as the Merowe dam in Sudan.
As for environmental impact, China continues to import illegal timber and ivory from African countries, and serious environmental damage is caused by Chinese projects, such as the Merowe dam in Sudan.
In the field of security and peace, China has extended military cooperation to several African regimes.
In the field of security and peace, China has extended military cooperation to several African regimes.
Sudan and Zimbabwe are major recipients of Chinese arms.
Sudan and Zimbabwe are major recipients of Chinese arms.
In view of its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China must be urged to move from favouring state-centred security to supporting “human security”.
In view of its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China must be urged to move from favouring state-centred security to supporting “human security”.
With more troops on the ground, China may better understand why it is necessary to assume the "responsibility to protect".
With more troops on the ground, China may better understand why it is necessary to assume the "responsibility to protect".
Many of the criticisms made against China mirror, to a certain extent, Western mistakes, past and present: trade rules and protective subsidies, supplying weapons, double standards, etc.
Many of the criticisms made against China mirror, to a certain extent, Western mistakes, past and present: trade rules and protective subsidies, supplying weapons, double standards, etc.
Moreover, the Western appetite for cheap “made in China” products also contributes to China’s - today’s world factory - bulimia for natural resources.
Moreover, the Western appetite for cheap “made in China” products also contributes to China’s - today’s world factory - bulimia for natural resources.
Europeans should not pretend to be the “good player” in this triangular relationship, for African countries have reasons to be frustrated and suspicious of them, as much as of China.
Europeans should not pretend to be the “good player” in this triangular relationship, for African countries have reasons to be frustrated and suspicious of them, as much as of China.
African leaders invoke the right to catch up with industrialisation, with the inherent pollution costs.
African leaders invoke the right to catch up with industrialisation, with the inherent pollution costs.
Africans also argue that assisting Africa is a matter of justice, not charity.
Africans also argue that assisting Africa is a matter of justice, not charity.
Instead of entering the blame game, the EU, Africa and China should engage and cooperate for the sustainable development of Africa.
Instead of entering the blame game, the EU, Africa and China should engage and cooperate for the sustainable development of Africa.
China has shown itself to be sensitive to international expectations.
China has shown itself to be sensitive to international expectations.
China’s foreign policy: From ‘business is business’ to ‘quiet revolution’
China ’s foreign policy: From ‘business is business’ to ‘quiet revolution’
China proclaims an “independent foreign policy”, based on the principles of “sovereignty and non-interference ” and presents its involvement in Africa as strictly business.
China proclaims an “independent foreign policy”, based on the principles of “sovereignty and non-interference ” and presents its involvement in Africa as strictly business.
This means that aid and loans are provided to African governments on a supposedly "no-strings attached" basis - but, of course, there is always a “Taiwan clause” and pressure to shun the Dalai Lama.
This means that aid and loans are provided to African governments on a supposedly "no-strings attached" basis - but, of course, there is always a “Taiwan clause” and pressure to shun the Dalai Lama.
In fact, China’s presence in Africa does have political impact.
In fact, China’s presence in Africa does have political impact.
Its ‘trade only, no politics’ approach, rather than ensuring neutrality, provides some African dictators with political and financial support to stay in power.
Its ‘trade only, no politics’ approach, rather than ensuring neutrality, provides some African dictators with political and financial support to stay in power.
For instance, Sudan and Zimbabwe turned to China when international criticism increased on the regimes.
For instance, Sudan and Zimbabwe turned to China when international criticism increased on the regimes.
In 2004, Angola broke off negotiations with the IMF, when China offered a 2 billion USD loan, without conditions on corruption or transparency: a cash flow which represents a financial boost to the ruling party in the run up to forthcoming elections.
In 2004, Angola broke off negotiations with the IMF, when China offered a 2 billion USD loan, without conditions on corruption or transparency: a cash flow which represents a financial boost to the ruling party in the run up to forthcoming elections.
Criticism of Chinese ‘intervention’ in Africa is thus becoming stronger.
Criticism of Chinese ‘intervention’ in Africa is thus becoming stronger.
Chinese agents have been attacked in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Niger.
Chinese agents have been attacked in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Niger.
In the worst case to date, nine Chinese workers and at least 65 Ethiopians were killed in April 2007, when Ogaden guerrillas attacked an oil installation in Eastern Ethiopia; foreign companies were warned against working with the Ethiopian government to exploit the region's natural resources.
In the worst case to date, nine Chinese workers and at least 65 Ethiopians were killed in April 2007, when Ogaden guerrillas attacked an oil installation in Eastern Ethiopia; foreign companies were warned against working with the Ethiopian government to exploit the region's natural resources.
Various other incidents are making China realise that there is no such thing as “politics-free” oil or mineral contracts.
Various other incidents are making China realise that there is no such thing as “politics-free” oil or mineral contracts.
A number of anti-Chinese riots have also occurred in Africa.
A number of anti-Chinese riots have also occurred in Africa.
Due to such mounting problems, China is understanding that it must adapt.
Due to such mounting problems, China is understanding that it must adapt.
The best example is Sudan: China threatened to veto UNSC resolutions on Darfur, in order to protect its economic interests in Khartoum; but, when international threats to boycott the Olympic Games were heard, Beijing named a special representative (April 2007) and Chinese pressure led to Khartoum's acceptance of the Annan plan.
The best example is Sudan: China threatened to veto UNSC resolutions on Darfur, in order to protect its economic interests in Khartoum; but, when international threats to boycott the Olympic Games were heard, Beijing named a special representative (April 2007) and Chinese pressure led to Khartoum's acceptance of the Annan plan.
Beijing is also scaling down relations with Zimbabwe: in 2007, Harare was not included in the African tour of President Hu and, in the meantime, Beijing announced withdrawal of all assistance except humanitarian aid.
Beijing is also scaling down relations with Zimbabwe: in 2007, Harare was not included in the African tour of President Hu and, in the meantime, Beijing announced withdrawal of all assistance except humanitarian aid.
International reactions to the Darfur crisis and the recent brutal repression in Burma may be making China realise that unconditional support to oppressive regimes and international isolation are not in its best interest.
International reactions to the Darfur crisis and the recent brutal repression in Burma may be making China realise that unconditional support to oppressive regimes and international isolation are not in its best interest.
Also the risks of investing in failing economies and fragile states may be becoming clearer to Beijing: oil fields in Sudan coinciding with conflict zones show that investing in pipelines is only profitable and sustainable if security is ensured.
Also the risks of investing in failing economies and fragile states may be becoming clearer to Beijing: oil fields in Sudan coinciding with conflict zones show that investing in pipelines is only profitable and sustainable if security is ensured.
And security is not long-lasting where there is conflict associated either with human rights violations or bad governance.
And security is not long-lasting where there is conflict associated either with human rights violations or bad governance.
Despite what some already call a “quiet revolution” in China’s foreign policy, limits are to be expected on how much Beijing will be willing to adapt: limits determined by the poor level of basic rights, freedoms and accountability enacted at home.
Despite what some already call a “quiet revolution” in China’s foreign policy, limits are to be expected on how much Beijing will be willing to adapt: limits determined by the poor level of basic rights, freedoms and accountability enacted at home.
The EU should, therefore, not only consider how to encourage China to assume a more responsible engagement in Africa, but also what to do in case China does not respond to international demands.
The EU should, therefore, not only consider how to encourage China to assume a more responsible engagement in Africa, but also what to do in case China does not respond to international demands.
Competition or win-win partnership?
Competition or win-win partnership?
Challenges for the EU
Challenges for the EU
The EU needs to develop a common approach towards China, overcoming divergences caused by national interests, which undermine Europe's ability to influence Chinese foreign policy.
The EU needs to develop a common approach towards China, overcoming divergences caused by national interests, which undermine Europe's ability to influence Chinese foreign policy.
A common EU approach should be based on engagement.
A common EU approach should be based on engagement.
The EU should encourage China to play a bigger role in conflict mediation, peace-keeping and donor roundtables.
The EU should encourage China to play a bigger role in conflict mediation, peace-keeping and donor roundtables.
When engagement does not work, the EU should not underestimate the power of privately and publicly criticising China.
When engagement does not work, the EU should not underestimate the power of privately and publicly criticising China.
EU Member States and UNSC members should also not hesitate, if necessary, to let China veto UNSC resolutions alone, putting in evidence its isolation.
EU Member States and UNSC members should also not hesitate, if necessary, to let China veto UNSC resolutions alone, putting in evidence its isolation.
The EU should also stop romanticising its relationship with Africa, based on historic or cultural links and common languages.
The EU should also stop romanticising its relationship with Africa, based on historic or cultural links and common languages.
Europe needs to turn its huge potential of influence in Africa into real political and diplomatic clout working for sustainable development in Africa.
Europe needs to turn its huge potential of influence in Africa into real political and diplomatic clout working for sustainable development in Africa.
It is vital that the EU sticks to its policy of conditional engagement, while also expanding "positive conditionality" by increasing support to governments, institutions, civil society organisations and media that promote human rights, democracy and accountable governance in African countries.
It is vital that the EU sticks to its policy of conditional engagement, while also expanding "positive conditionality" by increasing support to governments, institutions, civil society organisations and media that promote human rights, democracy and accountable governance in African countries.
While engaging with China on Africa, the EU should not overlook relations with other major and emerging players, namely the USA, Brazil and India.
While engaging with China on Africa, the EU should not overlook relations with other major and emerging players, namely the USA, Brazil and India.
China’s involvement in Africa has already had the positive effect of creating a renewed interest in Africa, contributing to a shift in perceptions: from a land of poverty and a destination for charity, Africa’s success stories are being recognised and there is increasing realisation in Europe that Africa’s resources could reduce the West’s dependence on risky Middle Eastern oil supplies and that Africa offers great potential for business.
China’s involvement in Africa has already had the positive effect of creating a renewed interest in Africa, contributing to a shift in perceptions: from a land of poverty and a destination for charity, Africa’s success stories are being recognised and there is increasing realisation in Europe that Africa’s resources could reduce the West’s dependence on risky Middle Eastern oil supplies and that Africa offers great potential for business.
It is absolutely crucial to bear in mind that the best African resource is the African people.
It is absolutely crucial to bear in mind that the best African resource is the African people.
Empowering women, civil society organisations, free and plural media must be priorities of the EU and other partners working for the development of Africa.
Empowering women, civil society organisations, free and plural media must be priorities of the EU and other partners working for the development of Africa.
Helping to build scrutinising capacities of the Pan African Parliament and African national parliaments should be a priority for the European Parliament, as well as in engaging with China’s NPC on the impact of the EU’s and China’s policies in Africa.
Helping to build scrutinising capacities of the Pan African Parliament and African national parliaments should be a priority for the European Parliament, as well as in engaging with China’s NPC on the impact of the EU’s and China’s policies in Africa.
2. отбелязва, че Африка е силно разнороден регион от гледна точка на политическото, социално и икономическо развитие и приютява безброй регионални организации; поради това счита, че е необходимо Китай да приложи диференциран подход към региона;
Notes that Africa is a very heterogeneous region in terms of political, social and economic development, and is home to countless regional organisations; therefore considers that a differentiated approach to the region on the part of China is necessary;
Angelika Beer, Colm Burke, Véronique De Keyser, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Michael Gahler, Alfred Gomolka, Klaus Hänsch, Jana Hybášková, Anna Ibrisagic, Jelko Kacin, Metin Kazak, Maria Eleni Koppa, Helmut Kuhne, Vytautas Landsbergis, Johannes Lebech, Francisco José Millán Mon, Philippe Morillon, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Alojz Peterle, Samuli Pohjamo, Libor Rouček, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Hannes Swoboda, István Szent-Iványi, Ari Vatanen
Angelika Beer, Colm Burke, Véronique De Keyser, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Michael Gahler, Alfred Gomolka, Klaus Hänsch, Jana Hybášková, Anna Ibrisagic, Jelko Kacin, Metin Kazak, Maria Eleni Koppa, Helmut Kuhne, Vytautas Landsbergis, Johannes Lebech, Francisco José Millán Mon, Philippe Morillon, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Alojz Peterle, Samuli Pohjamo, Libor Rouček, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Hannes Swoboda, István Szent-Iványi, Ari Vatanen
Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Evgeni Kirilov, Józef Pinior, Inger Segelström
Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Evgeni Kirilov, Józef Pinior, Inger Segelström
Комисията по международна търговия приканва водещата комисия по развитие да включи в предложението за резолюция, което ще приеме, следните предложения:
The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Development, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions in its motion for a resolution: