China's Footprint in Africa: Unpacking Beijing’s Influence on Politics, Societies,

And on the social level, China’s influence through cultural and media co-operation and human mobility is increasing, with surveys showing overall positive perceptions of Chinese economic and political influence on the continent.4 At the same time, surveys show that perceptions of China and of Chinese people in Africa are also controversial and differ significantly between countries and societal gr. [...] The “go out” policy in the late 1990s, the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, the release of a white paper in 2006 about China’s engagement in Africa show China’s interest in strengthening its presence on the continent and deepening its co-operation with African countries. [...] However, the fierce competition faced by Chinese private companies at home, the restrictions on the provision of loans and credit to develop their activities compared to Chinese SOEs, and the increasing costs of production and labour have driven Chinese private companies and entrepreneurs to venture overseas, including to Africa.57 The opportunities and challenges for African countries presented b. [...] The participation of African countries in FOCAC 2006 also signalled the recognition by African governments of the major political and economic role China plays on the continent.63 Taylor seeks to detail the origins, structure, workings and activities of FOCAC and its development.64 Yu looks at the evolution of FOCAC (how it has shaped the Africa–China relationship today) and explores the history a. [...] While many Chinese in Africa are contracted labour migrants, working, for instance, in infrastructure projects and mining operations, biographies and professions are diverse, and include merchants, entrepreneurs, small-scale retailers, students and family dependants.140 Research has highlighted the vast diversity of forms of “Chinese” and “Chineseness” on the continent and the complexities of migr.