Commerce and prudence: revising China's evolving Africa policy

‘We are Scared to Say No’: Facing Foreign Timber Companies in Sierra Leone's Community Woodlands

“…The resulting supply-demand gap caused a near quadrupling of log imports from 1990-2005, making China the largest importer of industrial roundwood (Zhang and Gan, 2007;De´murger et al, 2009). While Russia and Southeast Asia remain critical sources, African timber has become increasingly important (Chunquan et al, 2004;de Blas and Pe´rez, 2008;Holslag, 2008;Naidu and Mbaizima, 2008). From 1998From -2003 China's share of West African log exports rose from 25 to 42 per cent (White et al, 2006).…”

“…As well, Sino-African trade has driven the continent's economic growth to its highest levels ever (Alden, 2005;Carmody and Owosu, 2007) and partnership with the PRC has generated new leverage for African states previously dependent on western donors (Mohan and Power, 2008;Woods, 2008;Cook and Gu, 2009). Conversely, Chinese corporate behaviour has often contrasted starkly with PRC rhetoric of 'friendship' and 'co-operation' causing significant backlashes in many parts of Africa (Alden, 2005;Beri, 2007;Carmody and Owosu, 2007;Gill and Reilly, 2007;Holslag, 2008). With respect to timber trade, many Chinese companies have been unprepared to share economic benefits or engage in 'sustainable' management practices (Gill and Reilly, 2007;de Blas and Pe´rez, 2008;Mohan, 2008) and quite willing to trade in illegal and/or conflict timber (White et al, 2006;Holslag, 2008;De´murger et al, 2009).…”

“…Conversely, Chinese corporate behaviour has often contrasted starkly with PRC rhetoric of 'friendship' and 'co-operation' causing significant backlashes in many parts of Africa (Alden, 2005;Beri, 2007;Carmody and Owosu, 2007;Gill and Reilly, 2007;Holslag, 2008). With respect to timber trade, many Chinese companies have been unprepared to share economic benefits or engage in 'sustainable' management practices (Gill and Reilly, 2007;de Blas and Pe´rez, 2008;Mohan, 2008) and quite willing to trade in illegal and/or conflict timber (White et al, 2006;Holslag, 2008;De´murger et al, 2009). Although the PRC is now attempting to regulate Chinese companies operating in Africa, given their sheer numbers and diversity, centralised control remains problematic (Holslag, 2008;Mohan, 2008).…”

“…With respect to timber trade, many Chinese companies have been unprepared to share economic benefits or engage in 'sustainable' management practices (Gill and Reilly, 2007;de Blas and Pe´rez, 2008;Mohan, 2008) and quite willing to trade in illegal and/or conflict timber (White et al, 2006;Holslag, 2008;De´murger et al, 2009). Although the PRC is now attempting to regulate Chinese companies operating in Africa, given their sheer numbers and diversity, centralised control remains problematic (Holslag, 2008;Mohan, 2008). As well, Chinese regulatory agencies themselves are plagued by problems.…”

South Africa's governance challenges: assessing the South Africa–China mineral case

“…The strategy has resulted in a rapidly accelerating flow of African commodities to the People's Republic (Hoslag 2008). The issue is therefore whether African countries have crafted and implemented governance strategies and mechanisms to ensure that they work with China in achieving programmes of mutual benefit.…”