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

by Muhamad S. Olimat

Overview

This manuscript examines Sino-North Africa relations on a bilateral level since World War II. It highlights the depth of China’s 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 China’s 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 region’s 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 China’s increasingly involved role. However, China’s heavy involvement in the continent’s oil sector, minerals, fisheries, corporate-practices, and its unconditional support to autocracies is mobilizing some resentment over China’s 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 region’s 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498504317
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	06/07/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: China and North Africa: An Overview
Chapter Two: China and Algeria
Chapter Three: China and Egypt
Chapter Four: China and Libya
Chapter Five: China and Mauritania
Chapter Six: China and Morocco
Chapter Seven: China and The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Chapter Eight: China and South Sudan
Chapter Nine: China and Sudan
Chapter Ten: China and Tunisia
Chapter Eleven: Prospectus and Conclusions

Editorial Reviews

Olimat provides a well-documented, structured analysis of China’s bilateral relations with the states of North Africa. Following the generalized introduction, each chapter focuses on five key aspects of China’s 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 China’s policies with respect to the states.. . .The concluding chapter provides important assessments regarding the prospects for Sino-North African relations and some linkages to China’s relations with the wider Middle East.. . .Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.

Choice Reviews

Dr. Olimat’s book provides a timely introductory examination of Sino-African relations, while also presenting a valuable analysis of China’s increasingly important bilateral relations with each North African country through a five-dimensional approach: energy, trade, security, political and cultural relations.

Kenneth R. Rutherford

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 author’s 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

Olimat provides a well-documented, structured analysis of China’s bilateral relations with the states of North Africa. Following the generalized introduction, each chapter focuses on five key aspects of China’s 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 China’s policies with respect to the states.. . .The concluding chapter provides important assessments regarding the prospects for Sino-North African relations and some linkages to China’s relations with the wider Middle East.. . .Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.

Choice

Olimat provides a well-documented, structured analysis of China’s bilateral relations with the states of North Africa. Following the generalized introduction, each chapter focuses on five key aspects of China’s 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 China’s policies with respect to the states.. . .The concluding chapter provides important assessments regarding the prospects for Sino-North African relations and some linkages to China’s relations with the wider Middle East.. . .Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.

CHOICE