China-Zambia Relationship

According to an article in the New York Times, the growing relationship between China and Africa has been called a win-win proposition by Chinese officials and their African allies. In the country of Zambia, China plans to invest $800 million in the next few years. It has pledged to spend $20 billion to finance trade and infrastructure across the entire continent.

China's quest for natural resources has helped develop some of the Africa's poorest countries. In Zambia copper prices have shot up from 75 cents a pound to $3 a pound, driven by Chinese demand. China has brought technology, investment, and jobs to Zambia. Imports from China give Zambians access to goods such as televisions, cell phones, refrigerators, and computers. Zambia also gets cheaper prices on basic items such as clothes and shoes, which means the people are left with more money in their pockets. At first glance, it would seem that this truly is a win-win relationship.

Upon deeper examination, it is clear that not everyone is winning. Thousands jobs in Zambia have been eliminated, as textile mills are forced to close as a result of the import of cheap goods from China. African manufactures are unable to compete with Chinese exporters. In Chinese owned mines and factories, production, not safety has been a priority. On April 20, 2005, an explosion in an explosives factory left 46 dead. In order to save money, workers in these factories live in barrack-like condition with seven to a room.

There is a split between those who support the Chinese-Zambian relationship, and those who oppose it. On one hand, many political leaders say the partnership is necessary for the advancement of the country. Others say that the Chinese are exploiting the Zambians, just as western countries have done before. The anit-Chinese sentiment has been growing in the country for several years.

While there are undeniable benefits from the partnership of the two countries, I cannot ignore the negative effects. Zambians working in Chinese factories face very poor working conditions. While copper prices are shooting up, Zambia's ability to manufacture products is being crippled, making it even more dependent on China. Though money is coming into Zambia's economy, I wonder who is really getting that money. Is it going to the poor, or is it making a few people richer?

info from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/21/world/africa/21zambia.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=db3e334c4d340d88&ex=1187928000