A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STRATEGIES OF EUROPEAN COLONIALISM AND CONTEMPORARY CHINESE ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA

Rezumat

The China-Africa Cooperation Forum has led to a steady expansion in bilateral trade. Criticism has been directed at China's expansion into Africa for its promotion of unstable governments and its exploitation of the continent's resources. However, the effects of European colonialism continue to be felt in the form of economic dominance, political interference, and military occupation, despite the fact that the majority of African states achieved independence between 1945 and 1960. China's global strategy to exert influence is significantly influenced by its involvement in Africa, which is characterized by economic investments, political influence, and social dominance. European colonialism and Chinese involvement in Africa share similarities; however, they employ distinct methodologies. While operating within the confines of international conventions and its historical status as a developing nation, China implements indirect strategies, including bilateral trade agreements and investments. The historical European colonialism and Chinese involvement in Africa are compared in this study. China's involvement is devoid of direct political and economic authority over African nations and geographical dominance. Using a comparative approach, the study explores the involvement of European colonialism and China in Africa, with a focus on the similarities, differences, observations, and conclusions. The soft power strategy of China, which encompasses trade, investment, financial aid, and cultural influence, is in stark contrast to the methods of assimilation and direct governance employed by European colonizers in Africa. In order to prevent being depicted in a negative light by the West, China's foreign policy toward Africa prioritizes history and peaceful ascension, which are rooted in historical ties that date back to the Han dynasty. The study concludes that, despite the fact that European colonialism and Chinese engagement in Africa share some similarities, they employ distinct strategies.