Good days in waiting for China

AT A TIME when the world is absorbed in turmoil in Iran and Iraq, and when relations are being made among affluent states, China is eyeing the African continent. The continent, known for its poverty, genocide, diseases, and foreign aids, has now much to offer to China. China has been the country with stellar economic performances for the past 25 years. Despite that it always kept itself away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would seem commensurate with its economic weight. However, the year 2006 brought significant departure from the earlier traditional stand. It signified that Beijing was no longer willing to watch the developments from outside and was ready to accept its role in the international system. This is evident from the fact that Chinese President has developed a theory of international relations, the concept of a “harmonious world”.

This concept has a set of objectives but the theory lacks the details regarding the means through which these objectives are to be achieved. The significant departure in the traditional foreign policy can be said an amalgam of certain factors. Almost 25 years of constant double-digit economic growth saw China becoming the world’s fourth largest economy. So, in a move to become world’s largest economy, China not only needs sustainability in its economic growth but also actively participating internationally. Hence, good relations with the African countries will serve them a source for raw materials and a potential market for Chinese goods. This benefit, together with bilateral trades and interest-free grants and loans, will also help them consolidate African nations’ economic well being.

Also, China, the fastest growing economy, needs large amount of natural resources and oil, which are imported. Hence, wooing aggressively the energy and resources rich countries of Africa, Latin America and Central Asian countries is the need of the hour. Politically also, the new relationship will be a viable option for China as 53 constituent nations’ Africa with 27.6 per cent share of votes in the United Nations will not only work with it but will also extend support when needed at other multinational forums. That period, apart from projecting China as an economically vibrant nation, will mark Chinese ‘heyday’ in the international affairs as it has also got the support of most of the Asian and Latin American countries with it.
But, what concerns the most is the Chinese apathy towards poor African human rights records, disregarding labour rights and environmental standards. And here, timely intervention is needed. That should either come from western countries or developing countries like India. India in particular has got to play a major role from the sidelines of forums like Non-Aligned Movement and Commonwealth. It is because India has a good record of human rights, being a democracy, than China. So, if India does, then the African Continent will serve as an acid taste for it to project itself as a power at the international forums.