To discuss China's role in Africa, Ifri is pleased to welcome:

Chris Alden (London School of Economics) to provide a general overview of evolving China-Africa relations;

Daniel Large (School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) to discuss China's presence in Sudan; and

Zhu Ming (Shanghai Institutes for International Studies) to speak on Sino-African ties and south-south cooperation in redesigning international institutions

Since the end of the 1990's, China's growing economic and diplomatic presence in Africa has attracted attention, as well as concern. In the West, many analysts and diplomats are critical of a Chinese "grand plan" whose effects would be to loot African natural resources and undermine efforts to promote democracy and good governance (as well as move western companies out of African markets, in sectors such as construction). This view is partly based on misperceptions, especially about the Chinese government's capacity (and willingness) to give directions to the multitude of Chinese organizations and individuals setting a foot in Africa.

And yet, Chinese policies in Africa have evolved. Now being an established power in Africa, China has gone through a learning process about the specificities of African contexts. This conference will discuss what this "normalization" of Chinese policies in Africa means.

Chaired by Vincent Darracq, Visiting Fellow, Ifri Africa Programme