Impressive setting, harmonious atmosphere, far-reaching promises: Under the banner of »Friendship, Peace, Cooperation and Development«, 1,700 delegates from China and 48 African countries celebrated a tentative climax of 50 years of diplomatic ties at the third Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing in November 2006. The Beijing Action Plan adopted there fosters »a new strategic partnership« and outlines China’s comprehensive commitments up to 2009. While China’s underlying interests and the scope and nature of and hitches to the rapidly deepening trade, investment and aid relations between China and Africa are discussed frequently, an understanding of how this partnership is actually perceived in the countries concerned is often lacking.

China is anxious to achieve its strategic objectives in Africa (access to markets and resources, diplomatic support) in a way that is coherent with its five principles of peaceful coexistence. The desire for conflict avoidance and harmony is deeply rooted in China, and this became manifest in the grandiose stage the government prepared in Beijing to underline its respect for its African guests. China’s principle of non-interference is also reflected in its suspicion towards OECD countries’ comments on its Africa policy.

Considering itself a lead nation in Africa, South Africa views China as a strategic South-South-partner on the global stage, and has also started to recognize the need to actively shape its relations to the Asian giant. Potential links between FOCAC and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) are being discussed, as is China’s impact on the national economy. The OECD countries’ criticism of China’s engagement in Africa is perceived to be largely hypocritical.

The Kenyan government is portraying China as a new, friendly donor offering a welcome alternative to Western aid and conditionalities. However, concerns about the widening trade deficit and Chinese competition in domestic and third markets are growing. Hopes with regard to exports to China and tourism from China have not materialized yet, and the limits of China’s friendship and the Chinese sensitivity to any criticism are coming increasingly to be recognized. Yet strategies designed to shape the relations are still lacking.

In Europe, China’s engagement in Africa is largely viewed as a scramble for resources. Criticism focuses on China’s unconditional loans, its non-adherence to Western good governance and environmental standards, and its lack of transparency.

Overall, it is becoming apparent that intensified China-Africa ties are fundamentally changing the preconditions for Africa’s development. A political and economic alternative to the West is emerging for African countries. Being perceived as a partner rather than a recipient constitutes a boost for Africa’s self-esteem. However, while China has a rather clear-cut Africa agenda, African countries are neither clear about their own strategy nor in any way united. A »trialogue« between European, African and Chinese partners should be aimed for, one focusing more on common interests, such as the NEPAD process, and less on obvious differences.