Zimbabwe and South Africa - 2491 Words

In the recent years, China has had a growing presence in the African continent, engaging in trades, delivering aid and initiating projects. China’s involvement in Africa is something that has triggered very animated debates among students and scholars. Many hypotheses as to China’s intentions have been presented. Is China really the solution to Africa’s underdevelopment or simply for its own political and economical interests? This essay will present a more pessimistic view on this whole situation arguing the very dangers and consequences of China’s relationship with Africa. Not only does China worsen the countries’ economic conditions by triggering high levels of inflation and unemployment but it also represent a new form of colonialism†¦show more content†¦With China, Zimbabwe would â€Å"never walk alone† claimed Emerson Mnangagwa, speaker of the Zimbabwe parliament (qtd in Obiorah 39). Nonetheless, several experts have condemne d the Chinese government for fueling the ongoing conflicts in Zimbabwe and for helping the authoritarian government in its repression of any opposition. China has been heavily criticized for shipping armament to Zimbabwe that would ultimately distributed to the military and the militia that would help keep the opposition down during the 2008 elections. Although China adopts its non-interference stance, such types of trades are ultimately affecting the country. The delivery of those arms coincided with a time of extreme hostilities in the country and many pointed fingers at the Chinese government for blatant human rights violations (Spiegel and Le Billon 324, 330). South Africa, unlike Zimbabwe, has a more mature and solid political system. Therefore, China has been more prudent in its relation with that country (Taylor 22). In the past, South African leaders were highly critical of the â€Å"Chinese-style communism† and â€Å"Maoism† which was spreading in South Africa calling for a total rejection of the country. However, China still got involved in the conflicts in Pretoria in 1973 as well as in the struggle against apartheid in order to build their relationship with South Africa (Taylor 135-139). While China was pushing for democratization in South Africa, it wasShow MoreRelatedFactors Affecting The Electoral Elections Of Zimbabwe And South Africa1345 Words   |  6 Pagesseveral factors affecting declining electoral turnout in Zimbabwe and South Africa. After just twenty years of attainment of national independence from United Kingdom, in the year 2000, Zimbabwe experienced what can only be termed a major setback in its tr ansition to democracy. 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