Centre for Chinese Studies

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The Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at Stellenbosch University is the leading African research institution for innovative & policy relevant analysis of the relations between China and Africa.

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China as Africa’s ambiguous ally – why China has a responsibility for Africa’s development
(Stellenbosch University. Centre for Chinese Studies, 2011-06) Grimm, Sven
This paper explores the changing nature of Chinese-African relations in the early 21st century and, in a second step, assesses Chinese responsibilities for African development. Sino-African relations have profoundly changed in character as a consequence of economic policy shifts in China, coming with readjustments in Chinese foreign policy. China is an emerging world power – and increasingly an important partner to African states. The Asian engagement in Africa is not new, and we have seen a small wave of literature on Chinese engagement already in the mid-1970s to early 1980s. Chinese government engagement in Africa is a constant feature since the days of Mao Zedong. Yet, China‟s engagement with Africa with regard to trade, investments, assistance, and – not least – diplomatic activities has been increasing tremendously since 2000. Sino-African relations are becoming more important in their own right, but also as a consequence of the global rise of China. The recent global economic crisis has arguably further accelerated the already rapid change in economic weights in the world, making the shift towards Asia more pronounced. China‟s relationship with Africa is unequal, whatever the rhetoric around it. China is currently the second biggest economy in the world and it is likely to become even stronger, gaining (or regain, in a historical perspective) global economic weight within the next decade or so. One emerging economy, China, is in need of resources and markets as well as political backing for its peaceful global rise on the one side. And on the other side, we find 49 African states with rather small and often fragile economies engaging with China and other external powers. The stark inequality in economic and political weights results in Chinese responsibilities for African development, this paper argues, which is distinct from tutelage or undue interference. While China emphasises its very distinctness from „traditional donors‟ – not least so as this is arguably a cornerstone in its „soft power‟ in Africa – some challenges are, in fact, arising to African economies or societies from China‟s very size. Action as well as inaction in Chinese international and domestic policies will have consequences for development in other parts of the world, not least in Africa. Research on Chinese-African relations is thus quickly becoming similar to the research on other great powers‟ relations with Africa, even if China is both, a great power and a developing country. This paper provides an overview what we know about effects of Chinese engagement on Africa. The diversity of the African setting in mind, this paper will refer to individual cases as examples, aspiring to provide an overview without unduly generalising. The paper aspires to cast a light on aspects where China‟s rise impacts on African development and which we do currently not know enough about. How immediate or intermediate are the effects of Chinese engagement? Which actors do we have to take into account when we speak of "China" as one entity – and who exactly in China has to take responsibilities for African development? The paper explores the state of debate on direct and indirect effects of China‟s global rise on African states and aims at identifying areas of responsibilities for China and for African governments. In conclusion, it casts a light on the policy requirements for African states in their engagement with external powers and gives indications of a research agenda on China‟s growing global reach.
The China-African Development Fund (CADFund) as a sovereign wealth fund for Africa’s development
(Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2013-07) Grimm, Sven; Schickerling, Elizabeth
The China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) forms part of the Chinese government’s practical implementation, for some of its plans and objectives, for the African continent. CADFund was established as part of the eight measures announced by then Chinese President Hu Jintao, at the 2006 Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC). While operating according to market principles, the Fund is an economic and diplomatic tool of the Chinese government to encourage Chinese enterprises’ investments in African countries. Chinese investments might boost African economies; yet, there is no automaticity in developmental effects. CADFund’s operations as a sovereign wealth fund can be compared to other such funds in the African context. This policy brief elaborates on the setting and policy of CADFund, specifically in comparison to Norfund, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund for investments in developing countries, which also has a development vocation. The policy brief concludes with recommendations for change.
Chinese engagement in African security — pragmatism and shifts under the surface
(Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2013-09) Anthony, Ross; Grimm, Sven
As China’s economic expansion continues, its role in global international affairs has become more prominent. Not least so Chinese trade and investment in Africa will have implications regarding peace and security, both within Africa but also globally. The security implications of this relationship are broad, ranging from the political calculus of setting up businesses and securing assets, to the far broader picture of China’s role in regional and global security architectures. These micro- and macro-processes are linked in significant ways, as frequently witnessed in commodities industries, where the investment and securitization of raw materials in fragile states have direct implications for larger concerns such as national and global energy strategies, regional and geo-political security. This brief analyses current trends and debates, and provides recommendations for a way forward.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) - Political rationale and functioning
(Centre for Chinese Studies, Stellenbosch University, 2012-05) Grimm, Sven
The 5th Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing in July 2012. The Forum, established for the first time in October 2000 in Beijing, constitutes a platform for African and Chi-nese policymakers to enhance China’s relations with African countries. The years since 2000 have seen growing political, economic and diplomatic interests in China-Africa relations, attracting global attention toward China’s engagement in Africa. This has led to increasing analysis, research and studies which seek to better understand Sino-African partnerships and cooperation. FOCAC has deep-ened China-Africa’s relations in various fields: politics, economics, investments, trade, south-south cooperation and aid; etc. For Chinese and African officials, FOCAC constitutes a multilateral platform to evaluate the achievements and discuss the perspectives of Sino-African relations. This paper ex-plores the political partnership element of FOCAC and looks into the workings of the institutions.
South African relations with China and Taiwan Economic realism and the “One-China” doctrine
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University. Centre for Chinese Studies, 2014-02) Grimm, Sven; Kim, Yejoo; Anthony, Ross; Centre for Chinese Studies. Policy Briefing
Since 2009, China is South Africa’s largest bilateral trade partner with political relations between Beijing and Pretoria deepening in recent years. The Chinese government position claims it is a ‘win-win’ situation, but is South Africa maximizing its benefits in the relationship? The research report situated the current relationship within the broader context of South Africa’s foreign and economic policies toward China (the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong) as well as identifying challenges and opportunities marking the engagement. The launch of the report in Cape Town (21 February) invited debate and reflection on the current and future state of South Africa-China relations.
South Africa’s relations with China and Taiwan: Economic realism and the ‘One China’ doctrine
(Stellenbosch University Centre for Chinese Studies, 2013-11) Anthony, Ross; Grimm, Sven; Kim, Yejoo; Centre for Chinese Studies. Policy breifing
In 1998, after the fall of apartheid, South Africa commenced diplomatic relations with the People’s Re-public of China (PRC). This ‘normalisation’ of South Africa’s China policy came with a condition to recognise Beijing’s ‘One China’ policy proclaiming Taiwan an inalienable part of China. At the heart of the relationship between South Africa, China and Taiwan exists an economic pragmatism which exists in tandem with a policy of diplomatic isolationism. Nevertheless, while trade with Taiwan has continued, South Africa has been loath to strengthen the relationship, in part due to a fear of alienating its relationship with China. Given that relations with China have steeply increased in importance, cautious behaviour of the South African government is reasonable. However, in the case of economic diplomacy towards Taiwan, South Africa appears to not use available policy space. This can be seen as reflective of a South African foreign policy accused of being beholden to China.
State-directed multi-national enterprises and transnational governance : Chinese investments in Africa, corporate responsibility and sustainability norms
(Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2014-01) Cisse, Daoude; Grimm, Sven; Nolke, Andreas
Africa clearly needs foreign investments for its development. But such investments in extractive industries and hydropower projects should not cause ecological degradation and threaten the livelihoods of many Africans. Sustainability comprises economic, social and environmental dimensions and is thus a broad concept, rather describing a balancing act and a process of continuous improvement than an achievable target. The emphasis of this paper is on the environmental dimension of sustainability and how it sits with the other dimensions, particularly in Chinese investments in African states. The discussion is embedded into the general context of the rise of non-triad multinational enterprises and its implications for transnational regulation.
Transparency of Chinese aid : an analysis of the published information on Chinese external financial flows
(Stellenbosch University. Centre for Chinese Studies, 2011-08) Grimm, Sven; Rank, Rachel; Schickerling, Elizabeth; McDonald, Matthew
There are many myths and misconceptions about the level of information publically available on Chinese efforts and activities in the developing world. With the growing momentum around ‘aid transparency’ since the Third High Level Forum on aid effectiveness (HLF-3) in Accra in 2008, and the preparations for HLF-4 being held in Busan later this year, this paper on China’s aid information was commissioned to provide a firmer footing for the discussions going forward. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to map and assess the levels of aid information made available across Chinese agencies that engage in various forms of international cooperation. The paper explores opportunities to improve publicly available information on Chinese foreign assistance and how to ensure comparability with other donors.
Transparency of Chinese aid – the published information on Chinese external financial flows
(Centre for Chinese Studies, Stellenbosch University, 2011-11) Grimm, Sven
There are many myths and misconceptions about the level of information publically available on Chinese efforts and activities in the developing world. With the growing momentum around aid transparency since the Third High Level Forum on aid effectiveness (HLF-3) in Accra in 2008, and the preparations for HLF-4 being held in Busan in late November 2011, the Centre for Chinese Studies published a report on China’s aid information to provide a firmer footing for the discussions going forward. The purpose of this paper is to map and assess the levels of aid information made available across Chinese agencies that engage in various forms of international cooperation. The paper — summarised in this policy briefing — explores opportunities to improve publicly available information on Chinese foreign assistance and how to ensure comparability with other donors. The report was jointly published by the Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at Stellenbosch University and Publish What You Fund, the global campaign for aid transparency. The full report can be found on the CCS website: www.sun.ac.za/ccs.

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