Africa is a vibrant, rich, and diverse continent with fifty-four countries. China’s relationship with many of these African nations is more intertwined than ever. China stands as the single largest trading partner of the continent. It serves as a major lender for many African countries. Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has sent tens of thousands of Chinese citizens to African countries. China also maintains a growing military presence in the region and plays a key role in bolstering African countries’ domestic and international security and surveillance apparatus. Numerous African students and professionals immigrate to China for study and/or work.  

Yet, despite these numerous linkages, China’s presence in the region is not without controversy and criticism, including reports of racism and discrimination, issues of predatory lending practices, corruption, and illicit finance, and observations of how China’s relationship with many African countries risks exploiting people’s livelihoods as well as constricting political expression.  

Join the Black China Caucus on Sept. 13, 2022, at 7 p.m. for a virtual panel discussion on China-Africa relations, featuring four established and leading analysts and scholars that specialize in various aspects of China’s engagement with the African region. Specifically, the discussion will focus on race relations, security, international development, trade, and diplomacy.

Presented by the China Research Center, a unit of the School of History and Sociology in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. 

RSVP here.