China and North Africa since World War II: A Bilateral Approach

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This manuscript examines Sino-North Africa relations on a bilateral level since World War II. It highlights the depth of Chinas involvement in the region with each country on a five dimensional approach: energy security, trade relations, political relations, arms sales/security cooperation, and cultural relations. Regarding each of these criteria, North Africa holds a strategic significance to Chinas national security, vital interests, territorial integrity, sovereignty, regime survival, and economic prosperity. China has been an integral part of the political developments on North Africa political scene since the early 1950s. It has supported the regions quest for independence and national liberation, exchanged diplomatic recognition, and established political partnerships. Apparently, the peoples of the North Africa and Africa at large are enthusiastic about Chinas increasingly involved role. However, Chinas heavy involvement in the continents oil sector, minerals, fisheries, corporate-practices, and its unconditional support to autocracies is mobilizing some resentment over Chinas intentions in the region. Some intellectual trends are currently equating China with imperialism and neo-imperialism. Therefore, to ensure equitable relations with Africa, China and its corporations should refrain from colonial practices, exploitation, and environmental degradation. China also needs to contribute to the regions process of development, industrialization, development, and stability. Otherwise, its presence might not endure in comparison to British, French, Spanish, or Portuguese presence in the continent.

Reviews

Olimat provides a well-documented, structured analysis of Chinas bilateral relations with the states of North Africa. Following the generalized introduction, each chapter focuses on five key aspects of Chinas interactions with these states: political relations; trade relations; security cooperation, including arms sales; energy cooperation; and cultural relations. Notable chapters involving Morocco, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and South Sudan provide a balanced, nuanced analysis of the complex factors influencing Chinas policies with respect to the states. . . .The concluding chapter provides important assessments regarding the prospects for Sino-North African relations and some linkages to Chinas relations with the wider Middle East. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels. * CHOICE *
Dr. Olimats book provides a timely introductory examination of Sino-African relations, while also presenting a valuable analysis ofChinas increasingly important bilateral relations with each North African country through a five-dimensional approach: energy, trade, security, political and cultural relations. -- Kenneth R. Rutherford, James Madison University
Finally we have something long overdue: a meticulously researched, thorough, and persuasive scholarly assessment of China's complex interaction with the Middle East and North Africa. The authors original approach, careful development of argument, and crystal clear expression make this remarkable book essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between two regions of the world which superficially seem so different yet now depend heavily upon each other. -- Joel Hayward, Khalifa University

Author Bio

Muhamad S. Olimat is associate professor of international relations and Middle East studies at the Institute for Civil and International Security at Khalifa University for Science, Technology and Research.