zimbabwe and angola’s relationship with china

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Research Paper Outline: Zimbabwe and Angola’s relationship with China
Thesis Statement: The paper compares and contrasts Angola and Zimbabwe’s relationship with China in relation to why, how they became so dependent on China and the outcomes of that severe dependency in each nation.
Introduction
The economic presence of China in Africa, especially in Zimbabwe and Angola, has led to fierce debate among key global economic players about the nature of their involvement and its implication on the continent (Chazan). China investment in Zimbabwe ranging from the expansion of power plants to the construction of a supercomputer center highlights China’s activities in the Southern African country (Ojakorotu and Rumbidzai 18). Zimbabwe became dependent on China because of the ailing economy in the African state. However, this dependency dates to the liberation war times. During this time China offered Zimbabwe monetary and military aid. Even after the African country attained independence, China maintained funding Zimbabwe. In Angola, China has financed the rehabilitation of the Luanda Railway and the construction of electric distribution line among other key projects (Alves). Angola depended on China for funding after the civil war. The government of Angola sought for Chinese funding after the International Monetary Fund opted to give them a conditional loan. The two countries sought to divert their attention to the Chinese country that promised to guarantee their economic resurgence (Hylton).

Background Information
The researcher will address the history of China-Zimbabwe relations as well as China- Angola relations with specific emphasis on the active role they played during the two countries struggle for independence. Zimbabwe and Angola required funding following challenges to reconstruct after adverse effects of the war. China’s aid and investments have led to a change of attitude in Zimbabweans and Angolans. Zimbabwe is in the top investment locations for China. In 2015, China became Zimbabwe’s prime trading partner. Despite unpredictable economic and political future, China continued to fund infrastructural projects in Zimbabwe. The Angola-China relationship began during the civil war. China provided resources during this conflict.
Literature Review
China-Zimbabwe Relations
The researcher will discuss the activities of China in the Southern African country especially on its contribution to the infrastructural development. Further, the researcher will highlight China’s involvement in the country’s diamond mines. Finally, the researcher will examine China’s political influence in the country, most notably its alleged involvement in the soft coup that ousted President Mugabe from power and subsequent installation of Mnangagwa (Doran). Among the considerations in discussing the China-Zimbabwe relations are: historical, post-independence, loan dependency and structure and China’s purpose for lending aid.
China-Angola Relations
The researcher will examine the economic influence of China- Angola relations, especially in infrastructural development. The paper will also explain the nature of China’s involvement in oil mines given that Angola is the largest oil producer in Africa. The paper will also demonstrate China’s influence on the political activities in the Southern African country (Hylton). The researcher will mention how and why China decided to offer to fund and how the Chinese benefits by aiding Angola.
Discussion
The researcher will identify and analyze the pros and cons of China relations with the two countries. The researcher will further determine the threats that China poses to the political stability of the two countries, domestic industries as well as ramifications of their involvement in the minerals found in the two countries, diamond and gold. Finally, the researcher will address the concerns raised by the international community about the threat China poses to the food security of both countries, especially in Zimbabwe. In the discussion, the researcher will determine the criticism and benefits of the Chinese developments (Yuliang).
Conclusion
The paper has provided a summary of the main points highlighted in the article. It includes a call to action from the international community to ensure China relations with the two southern African nations are not exploitative. Some critics believe Chinese workers are taking away job opportunities meant for the citizens in Angola and Zimbabwe. There is a fear that the Angolan and Zimbabwe governments may not sustain the Chinese developments. The researcher should wrap up the conclusion with repetition of the thesis statement.
Works Cited
Alves, Ana Cristina. “China and Angola: A Marriage of Convenience?” SAIIA, 2012, https://saiia.org.za/research/new-book-china-and-angola-a-marriage-of-convenience/. Accessed 15 Nov 2018.
Chazan, Yigal. “Angola’s Debt Reliance on China May Leave It Short-Changed | Financial Times”. Ft.Com, 2018, https://www.ft.com/content/fb9f8528-6f03-11e8-92d3-6c13e5c92914. Accessed 15 Nov 2018.
Doran, Stuart. “China and Africa: The Zimbabwe File | the Strategist”. The Strategist, 2018, https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/china-and-africa-the-zimbabwe-file/. Accessed 15 Nov 2018.
Hylton, Zachary. “China in Angola: The Pros and Cons of China’s Aid Structure | Humphrey Public Affairs Review”. Humphreyreview.Umn.Edu, 2014, http://humphreyreview.umn.edu/china-angola-pros-and-cons-chinas-aid-structure. Accessed 15 Nov 2018.
Ojakorotu, Victor, and Rumbidzai Kamidza. “Look East Policy:  The Case of Zimbabwe–China Political and Economic Relations since 2000”. India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, vol 74, no. 1, 2018, pp. 17-41. SAGE Publications, doi: 10.1177/0974928417749642. Accessed 15 Nov 2018.
Yuliang, Zhang. “China-Zimbabwe Relations Reach New Level: Chinese Envoy – Xinhua | English.News.Cn”. Xinhuanet.Com, 2018, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/01/c_137436956.htm. Accessed 15 Nov 2018