Reordering International Affairs: The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Abstract

China’s rise became evident at the turn of the century in a context of American unilateralism under the command of George W. Bush. This context explains, to a large extent, Chinese strategies to avoid isolation and defend its interests. As such, China has chosen to act through multilateralism, previously viewed with suspicion, but now sought as an essential element to its diplomatic strategy, especially at the regional level. In this context, FOCAC can be understood as an imperfect multilateral undertaking knowing that bilateral relations are at the core of the relations between China and African countries both within and outside the institution. Is FOCAC an organization similar to the Commonwealth or the International Organization of La Francophonie? Are African countries true actors in this institution or do they orbit around China while it defines the rules and principles to be enacted and profits from them alone? Given all that was stated above, this paper has two main objectives. First, we seek to demonstrate in which ways FOCAC is part of an alliance building strategy to allow China to better resist American unilateralism and the risks of being stopped by its Western rivals. Then, we will show that, as an institution, FOCAC is a place of socialization, that is, a place where standards, practices and patterns of behavior are set and disseminated. As such, far from being a mere instrument manipulated by China, it is both a framework and a tool with shared impacts. In order to achieve both our goals, at first we will outline the theoretical and conceptual background to guide our work – constructivist theory – resorting to the concepts of soft balancing and socialization. After that, a thorough explanation of FOCAC’s history will be presented, highlighting institutional characteristics and their impact on China-Africa relations.

China and Japan in Africa: Globalization and New Norms of Development Assistance and Cooperation

“…The high-level diplomacy also tends to gloss over the internal bureaucratic politics and real tensions in the relationships on the ground. FOCAC also serves a useful function of coordinating the actions of major Chinese actors in Africa (Gazibo and Mbabia, 2012). Among the actors are business actors, who promote the go globalism strategy or benefit from the official diplomatic exchanges, primarily large Stateowned Enterprises (SOEs) and state-owned banks, SOEs at the provincial levels, and private companies and individual businessmen (Sun, 2014: 28) The case of Ghana's expulsion of thousands of Chinese engaged in illegal gold mining (Hirsch, 2013) shows BJIR, Marília, v. 4, n. 2, p.157-197, mai/ago.…”

The Forum on China– Africa Cooperation, Ideas and Aid: National Interest(s) or Strategic Partnership?

“…China established the first FOCAC to counter hegemony in world affairs, through multilateral co-operation with Africa (Taylor, 2010). For this reason, Gazibo and Mbabia (2012) point out that FOCAC as a structure functions as the ideal mechanism to unite developing countries (China and Africa) on an equal footing. The Beijing Declaration adopted in 2000 by the FOCAC stipulates 'countries that vary from one another in social systems, stages of development, historical and cultural background and values have the right to choose their own approaches and models in promoting and protecting human rights in their own countries'.…”

“…For this reason, he argues that the 'Beijing Consensus' is best viewed as '...a pole in the global political economy which can serve as a gathering place for those who are opposed to Washington' (Dirlik, 2006, 2). China is also downplaying its rise as a superpower, by introducing itself as the 'biggest developing country' to FOCAC members (Gazibo and Mbabia, 2012;Taylor, 2010).…”

“…Ideas are utopian when they aim to alter power relationships or practices. This may be categorised within the North–South (particularly Africa) divide, in which the latter (with China at the fore) strongly favours an equal and a new economic world order (Gazibo and Mbabia, 2012). Ideological ideas’ fundamental purpose is not to induce change, but rather to maintain the status quo (a world dominated by the North).…”

“…On the other hand, China continues to hold the record for the highest US dollar reserves and with a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the country bears the characteristics of the developed North (Balaam and Dillman, 2011; Godement, 2012; Rebol, 2010). China has without a doubt one foot in the developed North and another in the developing South (Gazibo and Mbabia, 2012). And in the light of the above arguments, it may be concluded that political ideas in China’s foreign policy towards Africa play a central role in its quest to forge closer relations with FOCAC members.…”