Rising of non-continental actors in Africa : comparison of China's and Turkey's approaches to the continent
Start Date
13-4-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2023 3:30 PM
Description
The importance of Africa in international politics is increasing with every passing day. This is mainly due to the economic, political and strategic importance of the continental countries. Especially in the 21st century, many actors have developed various policies to increase their influence in Africa. China and Türkiye, whose visibility and image on the continent have improved positively, are among these actors. When the recently published studies on the Africa policies of non-continental actors are examined, it is inevitable to encounter the significantly increasing influence of the Beijing and Ankara governments. For this reason, it is particularly important to comparatively evaluate how China and Turkey approach African countries. In this respect, it is possible to mention some similarities about the approaches of Turkey and China to Africa. For instance, these two countries adopt a trade and investment-oriented approach in their relations with continental countries. From this point of view, Turkey and China, who separate politics and trade, don't interfere in the internal affairs and sovereignty rights of the African countries. Moreover, Chinese and Turkish statesmen criticize Westerners over their colonial experience in Africa and neocolonial attempts. Being aware of the economic and political importance of the continental countries, Beijing and Ankara governments try also to consolidate their influence in Africa with various soft power elements. Despite all similarities, these countries' different economic and political capacities significantly affect and differentiate their presence in the continent. Therefore, in this study, China's and Turkey's presence in Africa will be examined comparatively in various aspects.
Document Type
Presentation
Recommended Citation
Hasan, A. (2023, April). Rising of non-continental actors in Africa: Comparison of China's and Turkey's approaches to the continent. Presented at the International Symposium on Africa-China Relations in an Era of Uncertain Future. Lingnan University, Hong Kong.
Rising of non-continental actors in Africa : comparison of China's and Turkey's approaches to the continent
The importance of Africa in international politics is increasing with every passing day. This is mainly due to the economic, political and strategic importance of the continental countries. Especially in the 21st century, many actors have developed various policies to increase their influence in Africa. China and Türkiye, whose visibility and image on the continent have improved positively, are among these actors. When the recently published studies on the Africa policies of non-continental actors are examined, it is inevitable to encounter the significantly increasing influence of the Beijing and Ankara governments. For this reason, it is particularly important to comparatively evaluate how China and Turkey approach African countries. In this respect, it is possible to mention some similarities about the approaches of Turkey and China to Africa. For instance, these two countries adopt a trade and investment-oriented approach in their relations with continental countries. From this point of view, Turkey and China, who separate politics and trade, don't interfere in the internal affairs and sovereignty rights of the African countries. Moreover, Chinese and Turkish statesmen criticize Westerners over their colonial experience in Africa and neocolonial attempts. Being aware of the economic and political importance of the continental countries, Beijing and Ankara governments try also to consolidate their influence in Africa with various soft power elements. Despite all similarities, these countries' different economic and political capacities significantly affect and differentiate their presence in the continent. Therefore, in this study, China's and Turkey's presence in Africa will be examined comparatively in various aspects.