NationStates Jolt Archive

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4937568.stm

Now then, I know it says "trade", but you never know. Maybe China is aiming to colonize Africa, like Britian was one hundred and fifty years ago. I grant them the best of luck.

The anti-imperialism of the last century has given the word 'colonisation' a bad reputation, whereas in its purest form it works as a kind of mentor system between nations. And a lot of the countries in Africa could do with a decent mentor to invest in bringing them into the 21st century, and China is in a prime position to do this.

It's mutually beneficial, and I support China in this endeavour.

The anti-imperialism of the last century has given the word 'colonisation' a bad reputation, whereas in its purest form it works as a kind of mentor system between nations. And a lot of the countries in Africa could do with a decent mentor to invest in bringing them into the 21st century, and China is in a prime position to do this.

It's mutually beneficial, and I support China in this endeavour.


What a lot of rot. As a colonial, I am entirely convinced that colonialism wasn't quite as bad as it was portrayed, BUT it is not a mentor system, its colonialism. China (as long as it is authoritarian) is an evil nation and the sooner we Africans drive it out the better!

I disagree with it, China can stay in China (but then again, im American), so in light of that, China can do what they will, just not in America.

Their just looking for MORE oil. Soon China will become ruined once gas runs out, The U.S wont be hurt as long as we drill in the 48 states or find another source of energy, China would Never take over Africa, They have no intresest in Hot Deserts and Rain Forest, China isnt that hot and I dont think the want that to happen;)

It's not a colonization. Such an endeavour would arguably be beneficial. No, China is merely doing business with the oppressive autocracies already in place on the continent. As the article suggests, China is sheilding these regimes from the need to reform through this trade, and it will be the people that inevitably feel the blow.

Let's see...

...first, Jintao visits the U.S., China's "adversary", and also it's economic drunken buddy (one nation can't stand up without the other)...

...then, he visits Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, and a nation staring warily across the Persian Gulf at an expanding Iranian nuclear program...

...finally, he visits Africa, rich in resources, but poor in infastructure.

---

It will sound alarmist, but I predict a major war within five years. NATO/U.S. vs China/Russia

My reasoning is...Russia and China are going to try and protect Iran and it's nuclear program. They are betting on being able to use Iran as a proxy to ensure access to Arabian oil as energy prices continue to climb.

Jintao's visit to the States was likely just a smoke screen. Each side was probably sticking to it's traditional arguments regarding trade.

He then goes to Saudi Arabia, which can't be happy at the prospect of Iranian nukes, even if the first name on the list is Israel. If Russia and China's ploy is to work, then Iran must eventually be destroyed, otherwise they risk it growing too large and powerful. They were probably trying to assure the Saudis that they won't let Iran grow into an unmanagable problem.

Africa is just a way to cover their bet. If Iran gets too powerful and screws up the plan, then they have a fallback supply of resources, relatively untapped. Nobody would bother with Africa if it didn't have abundant resources...the problem is trying to get all the pieces in place to adequately exploit those resources.

My guess is that China anticipates an economic wall...an end to their (unprecedented) growth, that will occur in the near future as energy prices climb. They intend to ensure that China gets first dibs on available energy. Russia is probably along with the plan only to expand their influence in Central Asia, as they are not reliant upon imported oil.

Wait and see...I guess. First sign of trouble is if the Saudis get cold feet regarding committments to China.

I smell sitcom! :D

Maybe China is aiming to colonize Africa

Don't be absurd. They're aiming to consolidate African leaders as political allies of China.


first, Jintao visits the U.S.

You're on a first-name basis with the guy?

You're on a first-name basis with the guy?

Of course...aren't you?

Of course...aren't you?

Not that I know of. Only with my buddy Mu-hyun of Korea.

What a lot of rot. As a colonial, I am entirely convinced that colonialism wasn't quite as bad as it was portrayed....

It depends what colony you were from.

And for the most part, yes- yes it was as bad as it was portrayed.

It depends what colony you were from.

And for the most part, yes- yes it was as bad as it was portrayed.

The what a lot of rot was refering to his silly mentor bit.

True, there is a world of difference in comparing the best and worst aspects of colonialism in say Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi with say what is now DRC, Algeria and Sudan. Which is why we should be, equally, less than comfortable with a general portrayal of colonialism as a bad thing as we tend to be with its portrayal as a good thing.