China in Africa – the Zambia story, by Anthony Mukwita, is an account of Zambia’s mixed relationship with China, highlighting both positive and negative sides of the ties between the two countries.
The book tells about the noticeable presence of China in Zambia, and how politicians, diplomats and ordinary citizens react to this.
Chinese businesses are everywhere in Zambia, and most of the new infrastructure in Zambia is – as the author puts it – ‘made in China‘.
The presence of China creates local jobs and boosts the Zambian economy, but there have also been concerns about poor wages and working conditions. The result has been inevitable: conflicts and mixed feelings among Zambians. Some view China as a caring investor, while others see the presence of China as a threat.
On the international political scene, the author demonstrates how some western countries have reacted with fear and concerns about the presence of China in Zambia, while non-western leaders have embraced it. According to the author, one possible explanation for this is the fact that China does not interfere in Zambian cultural values. The author explains that in spite of certain frictions, there is a balance between the diplomatic relationship Zambia has with China, and the relationship Zambia enjoys with the West, particularly the United States.
The author also gives background information about how the relationship between Zambia and China started with a personal friendship between Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda, and Mao Zedong, the revolutionary and founder of the People’s Republic of China.
The book is therefore not only about the complex relationship between Zambia and China, but it’s also about history, politics and cultural values. It is a good starting point for those interested in learning something about China in Africa, but are in doubt about where to start from. The book is also ideal for curious readers who just want to learn.
Book review by Chanda Kristensen
China in Africa – the Zambia story (145 pages) was first published in April 2023, by Write-on Publishing. You can get the book on Amazon. Author, Anthony Mukwita is a journalist and diplomat, who previously served as Zambia’s ambassador to Germany. This is his second book.
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