The twenty-first century began with celebrations of a new dawn in African diplomacy known as the “Look East Policy.” It was partly a break from the colonial past and partly the need to re-emphasise Africa’s independence by choosing new friends on Africa’s terms. “We have turned East” said Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on the 25th anniversary of his country’s independence, “where the sun rises and given our backs to the West where the sun sets.”
The demonstration of this Look East Policy was very evident at two significant conferences with two important contesters for Africa’s soul – Europe and China. At the EU-Africa Lisbon Conference held in December 2007, Europe’s promise of “equality” was not enough to steal from the anger that Africa reserved for its former colonial oppressor. Meanwhile, a year earlier at the Beijing-Africa Summit of November 2006, China had won the hearts and minds of Africa with promises of aid, trade and above all a “win-win” relationship based on mutual respect.
How Strong is the Look East Policy?
Africa’s reliance on China since the beginning of the 21st century is a fact that needs no debate. The continent has so far been a beneficiary of China’s economic success story and growing aid, trade and infrastructural projects throughout the continent are visible signs of China’s presence in Africa. Except for Swaziland which retains ties with Taiwan, all African states bow to Beijing.
China respects this diplomatic covenant by adhering to a policy of “non-interference” in the domestic affairs of its African allies and expects them to do same. It is for this reason that Swaziland fails to qualify as China’s friend because its recognition of Taiwan is seen by Beijing as a violation of China’s territorial integrity.
The principle of non-interference marks the strongest knot that binds Africa with China in many ways. Firstly, African leaders consider interference into their domestic affairs as neo-colonialism pure and simple. Secondly, it is a reminder of the imbalance that characterises the power structure of the modern world – the strong bullying the weak and Africa always the victim. Thirdly, non-interference is the affirmation of independence that African leaders crave so desperately – the reason why they look east.
Challenges to the Look East Policy
In every discussion about the challenges to the Look East Policy, it is important to differentiate between African leaders and African masses. The reason for this differentiation is simple. Except for a few leaders in Africa, like former South African President Thabo Mbeki who was considered as “China’s push back” in Africa because he resisted a Chinese version of colonialism in Africa, the majority of leaders in Africa see China as the solution to their problems.
The government that replaced Mr. Mbeki refused to grant a visa to China's arch-rival the Dalai Lama in 2009 for fear of jeopardizing trade links with China. The continuous flow of Chinese aid and investments in the middle of the current financial crisis makes African leaders face east..
On the part of the masses, it is a different story. Anti-Chinese sentiments are growing in leaps and bounds throughout Africa as the masses increasingly see China as an enemy not an opportunity. This resentment is manifested in recurrent kidnapping and killing of Chinese citizens throughout the continent as well as street protests. Zambia is a case study where opposition to China’s presence has become an important part of the political debate.
Revolutions in North Africa and the Future of Africa’s Look East Policy
The dramatic twists and turns in the politics of North Africa marked by the overthrow of some of Africa’s most entrenched dictators (in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya) puts to question the future of Africa’s Look East Policy. What united these dictators was their hatred for democracy. This is the least of China’s worries according to the doctrine of “non–interference”
The physical presence and significant contributions by western government in these revolutions provides a striking contrast to the absence of China. “Non-interference” might have cost China its face and fortunes in North Africa as the role of the West in the success of these revolutions will constitute a vital factor in deciding the direction of their future engagements. This brings the Look East Policy under severe strain.
The case of Libya is quite evident. An article by VOA’s James Brook about the future of Libyan diplomacy after Gaddafi is titled “Libya turns from Africa to the West.” Gaddafi was a problem to the West as he supported terrorist groups like the IRA. His hatred for what he repeatedly called western imperialism in Africa made him a strong supporter of the Look East Policy. His demise therefore takes the Look East Policy several years back.
See Also
Phases in the Scramble for Africa
The Ivory Coast Crisis and International Responses
French Foreign Policy in Post Colonial Africa
Sources
Brook, James. “Libya turns from Africa to the West” VOA, Sept 02, 2011.
Bennett, Carolyn. “History Making ‘Summit of Equals’ Making Hope.” Dec 2006.
Quist-Arcton. “Army of Chinese Shopper Owners makes Way to Senegal.” NPR.org, Sept 20, 2008.
Tongkeh Joseph Fowale - Tongkeh Joseph Fowale is a post graduate student of International Public Affairs at LUISS Guido Carli University, Rome - Italy.
