Instruments of power: China's use of soft power in Africa

Abstract

Abstract

The rise of China and the implications thereof has created much furore in literature, be it academia or popular media. Western concerns are significantly different to those of African states and, typically, discourse focuses on Western concerns and interests in Africa. Chinese support of African states has been referred to as a ‘new scramble for Africa’ or a form of ‘neo-colonialism’; whereas China invokes the principle of sovereignty in dealing with these states. Chinese motives are numerous, from access to resources to shoring up political support – not significantly from that of Western objectives; this research report will seek to understand China’s motives and Western reactions thereto. Upon reaching such an understanding, an evolution of Singapore’s foreign policy will be introduced and her successful engagement with China will be referenced. A possible solution will be inferred from Singapore to the African case study, that of Angola, as well as any weaknesses to such an inference.