The nature of China’s relations with Africa: A comparative analysis of Sino-Botswana and Sino-Namibia relations
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
This study systematically analyses the nature of China’s relations with Africa from a
comparative perspective. It uses Sino-Botswana and Sino-Namibia relations as
specific case studies. The necessity of the comparative approach is to draw out
similarities and differences of factors that influence the nature of Sino- African
relations, with a specific focus on these two southern African states. The systematic
study is grounded in the constructivist theoretical paradigm. Constructivism claims
that core issues of international relations, national interests, security, identity, norms,
and ideas are socially constructed. The foregrounding of the study in constructivism
necessitated the adoption of the qualitative research methodology which allowed for a
comprehensive data collection, thus advancing the reliability and trustworthiness of
data and findings. Botswana and Namibia were found to share several commonalities
in terms of foreign policies and relations with China. The two southern African states
have established strong and effective foreign policy principles which guide their
engagement with other states in general, and with China in particular. Empirical
evidence emerging from this study suggests that both Botswana and Namibia are
driven by specific foreign policy principles. Despite these commonalities, the
dissimilarity of factors influences positive economic and political outcomes for
Botswana and Namibia in their ties with China.
Firstly, history plays a vital role in the relations between China and Namibia but plays
less role in the Sino- Botswana relations. The nature of the Sino-Namibian ties has
been constant since the 1950s and is driven by historical linkage, specifically China’s
role in Namibia’s liberation struggle. China was not largely involved in Botswana’s
struggle for independence. Therefore, Botswana’s relations with China are not largely
politically motivated but are economically determined. Secondly, results indicate that
a change in political leadership and governance architecture has not entirely influenced
the overall nature of relations China has with Namibia and Botswana. The principles
of the relationships remain unchanged, however, approaches to the relations differ
practically from one leader to another and these diverse foreign policy postures
essentially influence the nature of Chinese presence in Botswana and Namibia in
general and more so for Botswana. Also, stable and sustainable political leadership is
essential in the bilateral relations China shares with Botswana and Namibia.
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Thirdly, Developmental State behaviour is noted. It has been established that while
Botswana and Namibia are democratic developmental states, China is largely regarded
as an authoritarian developmental state. However, the extent to which the Botswana
and Namibian governments exert power and influence to achieve economic
development goals in their relations with China vary. Motivated by economic
determinism, Botswana exercises significant control and ownership of its natural
resources and the mining industry. Motivated by political considerations, Namibia’s
natural resources and the mining industry are largely owned by foreign entities, with
China particularly in full control of the uranium mines in the Namibian state.
Evidence which emerged from this comparative study suggests that patterns of the
Sino- African relations duplicate those of neo-colonialism or rather demonstrate a
“partially neo-colonising power”. The Asian state tends to take advantage of
weaknesses inherent in the political economic system of different African states, as
exemplified by Botswana and Namibia case studies. As a result of the historical past,
the form of international neo-patrimonialism comes into play, particularly in the case
of Namibia. The structure of the Forum of China -Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), in
which African states are meant to sign documents containing what China has already
decided to offer in terms of development to Africa, is brought forward. This happens
without due consultation with African states and the priorities of such offerings in
terms of Africa’s development agenda. This is indicative of a tendency of neo colonialism. The study suggests that for Namibia to benefit greatly from the relations
with China in terms of economic development, there is a need for a clear distinction
between political ties and economic ties, and a break from historic bondage
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science
Keywords
Foreign relations, Foreign policy, Political leadership, Governance, Constructivism, Development state, Neo-Colonialism