Beware of the dragon: Africa should not look to China

28 Nov 2011

This debate took place at Cadogan Hall in London on 28th November 2011. Full video is now available on our YouTube channel.

Event info:

We all know that the Chinese are the neo-colonialists of Africa. They’ve plundered the continent of its natural resources, tossing aside any concern for human rights and doing deals with some of the world’s most unsavoury regimes. The relentless pursuit of growth is China’s only spur.

But is this picture really fair? In Angola, for example, China’s low-interest loans have been tied to a scheme that has ensured that roads, schools and other infrastructure has been built. China has an impressive track record of lifting its own millions out of poverty and can do the same for Africa. And is the West’s record in Africa as glowing as we like to think? After decades of pouring aid into Africa, how much have we actually achieved in terms of reducing poverty, corruption and war? So which way should Africa look for salvation – to the West, to China, or perhaps to its own people? Come to the debate and decide for yourself.

Speakers for the motion

George Ayittey

Ghanaian economist, author and president of the Free Africa Foundation in Washington DC
Ana Maria Gomes

Portuguese Member of the European Parliament

Chair

Lindsey Hilsum

International Editor at Channel 4 News

Speakers against the motion

Deborah Brautigam

Professor of International Development at the American University in Washington DC and author of The Dragon's Gift
Stephen Chan

Professor of International Studies at the School of Oriental and Asian Studies, London University