Forum On China Africa Cooperation

The increase in China’s economic and political involvement in Africa is arguably the most momentous development on the continent since the end of the Cold War. This book seeks to detail the origins, structure, workings and activities of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its development over the last nine years. Mindful of the growing realisation that Africa is to play an increasingly important role in global energy politics, Ian Taylor provides a clear and detailed overview of an organisation that has been generally overlooked, despite the exponential rise in the importance of the Chinese presence in Africa. Topics addressed include: the key structures, functions and operations of the FOCAC the importance and development of the triennial summits, including the focus on cultural exchanges and economic cooperation the key criticisms and challenges currently faced by the FOCAC discussion of ‘emerging issues’ – is it possible to have a "win-win" situation between Africa and China, as the FOCAC suggests? The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a concise introduction to an organisation that will be instrumental in the future of Africa’s relationship with the developed world, and will be of interest to students of African and Chinese politics, International Relations and International Organizations.

As the Chinese economy continues to grow, increased commercial engagement with Africa will offer the continent new and rewarding prospects for trade, investment and economic development. The challenge is for Africa to grasp these opportunities and take full advantage of China's friendship and willingness to co-operate. The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) provides a mechanism for all-inclusive diplomatic consultation to advance China Africa co-operation and to effectively manage expanding economic inter-dependence. FOCAC is a political arena for developing Sino-African co-operation and problem solving. FOCAC also provides an important framework for developing a common development agenda. Given new global trends towards antiglobalisation, FOCAC's importance is expected to increase in the years ahead. This book seeks to strengthen the China-Africa relationship and offer new suggestions for both policy makers and scholars seeking to understand and advance FOCAC for mutual benefit. FOCAC holds the key to Africa's development and long-term prosperity. The new policy initiatives and proposals outlined in this study make a very valuable contribution to strengthening FOCAC and advancing Africa's economic development.

Twelve years have passed since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), an event that marked an important milestone in China-Africa relations. The forum is a platform to promote mutually beneficial South-South cooperation between China and Africa, based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of African countries. In its ten year existence, FOCAC has achieved in deepening China-Africa relations in the economic field. Trade, investment, infrastructure and capacity building have been comprehensively promoted. But as FOCAC prepares to enter the second decade, a number of steps must be taken by Chinese and African partners to improve the current institutional arrangement by expanding space for private sector and civil society participation in decision-making and by increasing the frequency of follow-up processes to ensure effective implementation of agreed upon targets.

Analyses the relationship and engagement between China and Africa focusing on political, economic and people-to-people relations aspects.

中国是世界上最大的发展中国家，而非洲是发展中国家最集中的大陆，中非从来是都是命运共同体。面对新的国际形势以及中非双方各自的发展任务，中非双方都有进一步加强磋商与合作、共同应对新世纪挑战的强烈愿望。因此，中非合作论坛在2000年应运而生。论坛至今已经成功举办了７届部长级会议和３届峰会，为中非双方提供了一个务实合作的平台，使得中非合作变得更加机制化和经常化。在论坛的推动下，中非关系进入了快速、全面发展的最佳时期，中非合作的领域不断拓宽，各领域的合作达到了前所未有的历史新高度。本报告试图在总结中非合作论坛发展20年的经验基础上，深入分析其在新的历史条件下所面临的机遇与挑战，对中非合作论坛的可持续发展提出政策建议，发挥智库学者资政与服务社会的作用。

"Research on China's African engagement has increased significantly in recent years and covers a wide range of topics and issues. while much of this research has been critical of China's activities on the continent, few observers have attempted to analyse or understand China's policy towards Africa and the specific diplomatic framework (FOCAC) constructed by China to advance dialogue, problem solving and mutual benefit. FOCAC forms the central pillar in advancing China-Africa relations and is the arena for constructive diplomatic interaction. It provides the foundation for building a long-term 'win-win' China-Africa relationship. A fuller understanding of FOCAC as a mechanism for advancing such a China-Africa win-win relationship and for building positive South-South relations is required to advance the China-Africa research agenda. This monograph seeks to provide this understanding of FOCAC."--P. [4] of cover.

Since the establishment of the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Africa have had substantial dialogues about furthering various aspects of human resource development and cooperation between the two sides. The Chinese government has firmly kept its promises to provide the human resource assistance to African countries within the stipulated time. This book assesses specific measures raised under FOCAC which include training and exchange, human resource development, medical cooperation and knowledge production. It further examines the impact of the FOCAC initiatives on human resources capacity. From an African continental side, options are being provided to develop human resource capital on the continent. The significance of China's so- power is determined as to whether the educational initiatives are done to impose superpower practices or implemented as a method of not only alleviating poverty but also promoting better understanding of the two regions. Various questions are raised as to what is the impact of China's so- power blueprint through its education, academic exchanges, training and skills development and medical cooperation on the African continent's future? Furthermore, what does it mean for China to promote human resource capacity and development through cultural or public diplomacy? And what does it mean for Africa to engage in the human resource development initiatives in a joint fashion? The book eventually demonstrates how the educational measures not only promote sustainable development particularly in Africa, but also illustrate a different angle as to how FOCAC is strengthening relations between the two regions through soft power.

This book offers a range of perspectives on the Africa–China partnership in the context of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Incorporating historical, political, social and cultural dimensions, it offers innovative views on the Africa–China relationship that combine theory and practice, and critically examines the prospects of a Pan-African policy towards China, complementary to China’s comprehensive African policy. The chapters address a number of key questions, including: What steps are being taken to achieve a more coordinated approach and policy towards China on the African continent? Does Africa even need a collective strategy in the first place? How would a coherent policy framework affect Africa’s relations with Europe and other external partners? How do the pillars of the partnership align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?