A Chinese Scramble for Africa? To what extent does China act as a neo-colonialist on the African continent?

Abstract: The unparalleled economic growth of China during the latter 20th century and early 21st century, has led to the country becoming a great power and perhaps on the fast track to even becoming a superpower. This growth has come mainly in the form of manufactured goods, which need vast amounts of energy and resources to produce, most important of which is oil. Today China is a net importer of oil, and is having to look further afield to find more reserves. This has led to China turning her attention to Africa, which is renowned for its vast untapped natural resources. China also sees Africa as an unexploited consumer market. China’s sudden interest in Africa has raised alarm in some quarters. Some are even labeling her actions on the continent as neo-colonialist, this thesis is designed to review if this indeed is a fair accusation. After looking at each aspect of neo- colonialism in turn, as well as comparing Europe’s actions, both historically and contemporary on the African continent, this thesis concludes that despite some questionable elements relating to the so called no strings attached approach on the continent, it is still unjust and even sensationalist to name China neo-colonialist.