Friday, July 5, 2013

China and African Regional Organizations

The Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University published on 25 June 2013 a commentary by Karina Legradi, research intern, titled "Regional African Organisations as Negotiation Partners with China."  It notes the growing importance of organizations such as the African Union, Southern Africa Development Community, Economic Community of West African States and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The author concludes that if African regional organizations could utilize their collective bargaining power more effectively, negotiations with China would be more beneficial for African states.  If African states spoke with a unified voice in regional organizations, then there would be a more level playing field with China.