Introduction
2006 marked the “Year of Africa” in China’s diplomacy. The highly intensive diplomatic activities that took place were unprecedented both for China’s diplomatic history and the China Africa relationship.1 In the same year, China became Africa’s third largest trading partner following the United States and France, making Africa one of China’s major overseas origins for strategic resources, investment opportunities and a market for Chinese products. While China is enjoying the many benefits of an increasingly close relationship with Africa, such benefits are not the only forces driving China’s African policy. So, why is China pursuing an expanded Sino-African engagement? An examination of China’s diplomatic focus on Africa and the historical context in which China’s African policy emerged reveals a deep relationship based on common experiences, values and principles.
