There has been an explosion of attention on China’s interests and activities in Africa and on the wide spectrum of Chinese actors involved in countries across the continent, but the terms and implications of the China–Angola partnership remain unclear. This book focuses on the increased co-operation between Angola and China, explores how relations with China have bolstered regime stability and boosted the international standing of the Angolan government, and investigates the extent to which collaboration serves their separate interests in the immediate and the longer term.

This book offers a rich overview of relations between the countries: the authors examine some of the labour, infrastructure and policy issues arising from Chinese involvement, from the perspectives of Angola’s oil, construction, retail and wholesale sectors. They show the need for better local control to tackle the shortcomings and foster the benefits of cultural, economic and professional interchange. A fascinating survey reveals Angolan workers’ perceptions of Chinese employment practices and of Chinese workers.

The book also explores Chinese perceptions of Angola and the relationship, discerns some notable shifts since the early 1980s and demonstrates the importance of grassroots interactions which have often been overlooked in accounts of China–Angola relations.

Marcus Power is a reader in the department of geography at the University of Durham

Ana Cristina Alves is a senior researcher with the Global Powers and Africa programme at the South African Institute of African Affairs

* BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAMBAZUKA NEWS

* Please do not take Pambazuka for granted! Become a Friend of Pambazuka and make a donation NOW to help keep Pambazuka FREE and INDEPENDENT!

* Please send comments to editor[at]pambazuka[dot]org or comment online at Pambazuka News.