Who is the colonialist?

Some in the West accuse China of acting as a new colonialist in Africa. At a press conference in Beijing, Minister of commerce Bo Xilai had this to say: “The main criticism is that China is taking oil from Africa, but according to statistics, last year, of Africa's total oil exports, China took 8.7%. Europe took 36% and the U.S. 33%. If importing 8.7% means exploitation, how about 36% and 33%?” (People's Daily Online: African people don't welcome colonialists: Chinese minister)

The old colonial powers of Europe (and the U.S.) are angry because they are becoming more and more irrelevant in Africa. Therefore they are quick to accuse the new kid on the block, China. But it is advisable to base arguments on facts. The days of colonialism in Africa are over. If China would act in a colonialist way (and this is not to be excluded in the future), the African people will oppose China as it opposed old colonialism.

But minister Bo pointed out: “... things have changed now in Africa because the Chinese are there doing some normal and rational deals and offering reasonable market prices”. China is setting up a CNY5 billion development fund to encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa. The Western countries have taken more resources and raw materials out of Africa than they have ever invested and to add insult to injury they accuse the Africans of being too stupid to develop their economies. With a little help from China, they will succeed. And so far the People's Republic of China has never colonized any African country. When admiral Zheng He sailed to Africa in the period 1405~1433, he only brought back one giraffe.