Scholars want shift in Chinese foreign policy on Africa

By FREDRICK OBURA

Policy analysts are calling on the Chinese Government to amend its foreign policy framework to match its growing influence.

Currently, the foreign policy restricts the Chinese Government from engaging in internal affairs of sovereign states they deal with in issues such as trade.

“We are recommending to the Chinese Government to effect certain amendments in their foreign policy to match their influence in Africa,” said Paul Odhiambo, policy analyst at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, Trade and Foreign Policy Division.

“They have become a major trading partner.  Most projects in mining, construction are handled by Chinese firms across Africa,” he said.

 “Change in policy framework would see building of strong governance institutions to help people enjoy most of these development initiatives,” he said.

“These changes are necessary to help diffuse public perception and not see Chinese government as collaborators with few individuals in government they deal with.”

In Turkana  where oil was recently discovered,  policy analysts called on the Chinese Government who have shown interest in exploration to address security matters.

Odhiambo was speaking during a seminar on sustainable development of China-Africa relations.

The total trade between China and Africa hit $ 166.3 billion   in last year, compared to $10 billion in 2000. By April, China’s total direct investment in Africa reached $15.3 billion.

“We should now discuss how to mutually share experiences on governance further, how to expand the economic pie for mutual benefit, and how to consolidate the public and social support for China-Africa relations,”  Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan.