CHINESE IN AFRICA MLH PREAMBLE Following the interface

CHINESE IN AFRICA MLH

PREAMBLE • Following the interface and interest shown by different Christian stakeholders on ‘The Presence of Chinese in Africa’ during the Lausanne Consultation in October 2010 in Cape Town and after continuous consultations in other forums here and there, the MANI leadership Team felt the strong need to include such a segment in the MANI 2011 programme. 2

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 1) The Chinese people have a long history of migrating overseas. 2) Diplomat opening (1949 -1980) • After the formation of the People's Republic of China following the Communist party victory in 1949, some Chinese fled, eventually landing in Africa. • This era is especially important in the "Sino-African friendship" movement. 3

3) Economic Acceleration : (1980 to the present) China looked to the continent both as a source of key resources and as a market for its lowcost consumer goods. 4

* Other Spheres : • Health • Military • Culture • Infrastructure 5

• Some Facts: • To date, there are more than 960, 000 Chinese in Africa. • Largest trading partner : trade of US$ 90 b. in 2009 compared to US$ 86 b for USA. • Increase of trade by 700% during the 1990’s. • Forum on China – Africa cooperation (FOCAC) est. in Oct. 2000 in Beijing. • Most Bibles for Africa printed in China. 6

CHALLENGES • Chinese engagement has become a chance as well as a challenge for African economies. • Although Africa has seen economic growth through commodity exports to China, critics argue that Chinese exports to Africa—as well as Chinese business practices—have impeded aspects of African development. • Despite bringing tangible benefits to African economies, these particularly are still viewed with suspicion and, in some cases, hostility leading to bitterness, social tensions and economic conflicts. 7

Three kinds of Chinese businesses operating in Africa: 1. Firms that transform African resources with Chinese employers and African employees. 2. Firms that sell to Africans with Chinese sellers and African customers. 3. Bilateral contracts between China and Africa regarding infrastructure, roads, etc. 8

OPPORTUNITIES • Strengthen the existing official forum between the People's Republic of China and the states in Africa - Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). • Create an environment of cooperation between the African Church and the Global Church leadership and mission in order to effectively reach the Chinese. 9

• Encourage the Chinese Church to have her members go into businesses in Africa where they will help to equip the African church. • Engage the Chinese Church to train African churches and missions on Chinese culture and possible strategies to reach Chinese in Africa. 10

We hope to: • Bring together on board interested partners to this mission opportunity. • Help educate the Church in Africa to understand the different trends and diversities that exist within the Chinese Church in China which will hopefully give birth to joint projects. • Establish a task force of different stakeholders to produce a strategic document with recommendations and resolutions. 11

1. Where are the Chinese in Africa ? 2. Who are working among them? 3. What are the major challenges? 4. What are the opportunities? 12