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China in Ethiopia: Diplomacy and Economics of Sino-optimism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2013

Seifudein Adem
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Abstract:

This article examines the motive behind China's increased activities in Ethiopia in recent years and concludes that it lies in Ethiopia's perceived diplomatic usefulness. If China's relations with many African countries could be described as one of “infrastructure for natural resources,” the Sino-Ethiopian relationship can be described “infrastructure for diplomatic support.” After exploring the nature and scope of Ethiopia's relations with China and highlighting areas of divergence of interest, the article seeks to demonstrate how the convergence of interests between the two countries has ushered in a period of Sino-optimism among Ethiopia's elite and rising expectations among ordinary Ethiopians.

Résumé:

Résumé:

Cet article examine les motivations derrière l'intensification récente de l'activité Chinoise en Ethiopie et conclut que l'Ethiopie est considéréé par la Chine comme un allié diplomatique utile. Si les relations de la Chine avec bien des pays africains pouvaient être décrites comme un “échange d'infrastructure contre des ressources naturelles,” la relation sino-éthiopienne peut être vue, elle, comme “un échange d'infrastructure contre un soutien diplomatique.” Après avoir exploré la nature et l'étendue des relations entre l'Éthiopie et la Chine, et après avoir mis l'accent sur les zones de divergence d'intérêts, cet article vise à montrer comment la convergence d'intérêts entre les deux pays a ouvert la voie d'un côté à une période de “sino optimisme” pour l'élite éthiopienne, et de l'autre ê des attentes grandissantes venant de la population générale.

Type
Research Article
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 55 , Issue 1 , April 2012 , pp. 143 - 160
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2012

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