Chinese Soft Power in Africa: Case of Senegal

Abstract

Beijing political system in Africa has ostensibly made China a major leader throughout this continent. The different elements that link Africa to China have traditionally been embedded in the discourse of cooperation, mutual benefit and political equality. Then, we can notice that China is building a positive image throughout Africa. Let's take the example of Senegal where, between 2006 and 2011, approximately 26 Chinese official development finance projects are identified. These projects are estimated around 100 millions USD financed by China's Exim Bank [1] This endeavor not only spotlights how China is creating a favorable international environment but also it's close to the concept of soft power. However, soft power is about dynamic relationships between an agent and the subject of attraction. China's foreign policy and strategy is highly influential, because China's main target is to lead the world in all fields. Two important issues within this are whether the relationship between the two parts of the world is symmetrical or asymmetrical and the exact role of soft power in this constellation. This paper is going to focus on these arguments and proposes that prominent economies on the African continent such as Senegal have an inescapable role to play in ensuring a symmetrical relationship between China and Africa.