Explaining China’s popularity in the Middle East and Africa

Abstract

China enjoys considerable popularity in the Middle East and Africa, not only among elites but also at street level. This article draws on international relations theories to explain this general pattern, as well as intra-and interregional variation. Every approach has something to contribute, but international political economy more so than realism. Constructivist theories are particularly useful in explaining China's popularity in the Middle East and Africa. Acknowledgements Thanks to the anonymous reviewers, Raphael Bradenbrink, Ivan Manokha, and the students of the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy for helpful suggestions and feedback.

Images of ‘Africa’ in China–Africa cooperation

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“…The feasibility of such exchanges is based upon (real or perceived) commonalities, shared goals, mutual benefits, and respect for sovereignty among non‐Western nations as well as the aspirations of each for economic development and nation‐building. Friedrichs (2019) argues that shared frameworks of meaning and culture form the core of social constructivism and help explain China’s popularity in Africa and the Middle East. Qian Qichen, Foreign Minister (1988–1998), wrote: ‘Being fellow developing countries with a shared history of oppression by imperialism and colonialism, China and African nations have a mutual understanding of each other’s pursuit of independence and freedom, and there is a natural sense of affinity’ (Qian, 2003, pp.…”

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“…African debts which were exacerbated by the bad practices of governance and corruption, made Beijing's presence becoming more implanted to the African and Middle Eastern society. This means that China's popularity on both the macro and micro actors is tangible and popular enough amid the international contestations (Friedrichs, 2019).…”