China’s promises to Africa

Abstract

When China and Africa, within the framework of the FOCAC, met three years ago in Beijing to establish a
“strategic partnership”, many were curious to see how Beijing was actually going to carry out its ambitious
African safari. During this gathering, Chinese authorities made eight pledges aiming at strengthening the
China-Africa axis. As both parties are meeting again next month, Beijing will be proud to announce that it has
kept almost all its promises. Due to the global financial crisis, the next FOCAC will take place in a particularly
severe economic environment. Is Beijing still capable of continuing its policy of financial largesse towards
Africa? But more important, do African countries eventually know what they want from China?