Extended Ground for U.S.-China Competition?: Comparing China’s and the U.S.’ Engagement with Africa

• Published in: China quarterly of international strategic studies 2016, Vol.2 (1), p.35-55
• Main Author: Shinn, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2377-7400; 2377-7419
• DOI: 10.1142/S2377740016500020

This article identifies the respective interests of China and the United States in Africa — both Sub-Saharan and North Africa. By comparing the general strategies toward Africa and recent policy statements of the two countries, the article notes the important institutional differences in each country that impacts the implementation of policy in Africa and identifies the tools and tactics they use to achieve their respective goals. Subsequently, it evaluates the relative success that China and the United States have had in developing ties with African countries, indicating the countries with which China and the United States has each done especially well with respectively. Finally, the article identifies areas of China-U.S. cooperation and competition in Africa and suggests ways the two countries can further cooperate in a manner that will benefit Africa. It is concluded that China and the United States share very similar interests in Africa, and that their competition has been largely confined to economic arenas. Although the United States remains cautious of China’s growing military presence in Africa, there is much room for their cooperation in promoting peace and development of the continent.