CHINA - THE GREAT ENABLER OF AFRICA' AND THE AMERICA'S DEVELOPMENT? PART 2.

Whereas the 'western model of promoting development in lesser developed countries has been that of applying the trinity principle. 

Namely the combination of military dominance, submission to the 'democratic myth' and to the assumed exceptionalism of western values above all others. 

China prefers to leave `the countries which it is trying to help to advance their economic prospects, to sort out their own political affairs. 

The age of spreading communism or socialism has now passed.  As China, like probably nearly every other country, embraces capitalism. 

Even if the Chinese Communist Party continues to endeavour to maintain its iron grip on the political control of the country, and regulates the evolution of capitalism.

China's assistance and support in helping African, South American and Caribbean countries to build solid and much needed infra-structures and industrial bases has, probably not surprisingly, been viewed with suspicion by western countries. 

The former colonial powers are concerned that China, through her economic and other assistance to these countries, is increasing her influence on them and gaining valuable allies. 

Which should come in handy, as China continues to implement her strategy to overtake the United States.  Not only as the number one economic superpower, but also as a leader of the world. 

A role which China is, arguably, already playing, with America's leadership role being mainly one based on militarism.

I suspect, also, that another challenge which China and the countries and peoples it is trying to help, have to address, is that of how they learn to respect each others cultures, customs and modus operandi. 

Namely how they deal with the suspicions and prejudicial feelings towards each other. As well as respecting the host environment, by ensuring the proper application of lessons China has learnt from not properly risk assessing and addressing environmental needs in her own rapid industrialisation. 

Enabling a more eco-friendly approach in the model of industrial development it is applying to her partners in Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. 

Yes, it is the case that China is not just being a 'good samaritan' in the developmental support it is providing for these lesser developed countries. 

It is indulging ventures which are intended to be of mutual benefit to both it and the hosts countries; a matter of quid pro quo. 

Nothing surprising or unfair there. China needs and offers these lesser developed countries a market for their natural resources.  

In return, it provides them with crucial investment and expertise to exploit these natural resources and to invest the income from it into developing their infra-structure and human resources.

Providing the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership is maintained, and corruption within the host countries can be minimised and good governance is established and becomes the norm. 

Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas could stand a good chance of coming out of the shadows of simply being the provider of labour and natural resources for the Europe and North America.


To be continued.