Trade between China and Africa will break another new record this year as it’s expected to top $200 billion. As trade continues to grow, officials from both regions frequently point to these figures as evidence of steadily improving ties. However, Beijing-based attorney Kai Xue warns that while the trade stats are indeed impressive, they also mask emerging difficulties in the Sino-African relationship.
CORRECTION: the original publication of Kai Xue’s article, “Rocky road ahead for China-Africa relationship?” was in This is Africa not All Africa or Addis Fortune (Ethiopia) as Eric had mentioned during the program. We regret the error.
About Kai Xue:
Kai Xue is a corporate lawyer based in Beijing who advises clients on investments in Africa and also works closely with China’s major policy banks like the Exim Bank and the China Development Bank. Kai Xue is also a regular commentator on Sino-African affairs in a number of Chinese and African newspapers and blogs.
Some of Kai Xue’s past China/Africa columns include:
- This is Africa: Rocky Road Ahead for China-Africa Relationship?
- South China Morning Post: For an Upside to Sino-Japanese Rivalry Look to Africa
