China raises fears of 'new colonialism' with $60 billion investment across Africa

[Theo520]

It’s an interesting dilemma, China is certainly a human rights violator per all sources and a bad one at that, yet, what would happen if they actually improved life for a lot of poor in Africa? That would be a good thing.

The lives of their people have improved dramatically in the past three decades, in spite of their lack of individual rights vs the State. China tries to operate as a benevolent dictator (with a healthy dose of corruption thrown in),

 

[PJH_74]

I’m not overblowing anything, the US has become a relatively small player in the manufacture of basic industrial equipment. What China produces is also more fit for purpose in the third world vs more high end US made machinery.

Forbes on US Manufacturing

I seem to have slightly gotten my assertion that we make the most in the world by value, but we are a close second to China and substantially larger than any other.

Value of American Manufacturing.

So no, in living memory we have always been a force in manufacturing. As you can see, it actually has risen quite a bit in the last few years. There are plenty more articles like this, many from major sources confirming the above. What you are seeing is a politicized spin placed on the reality that less people are employed and much of that is automation. Automation yes has reduced costs, but today’s engineered products (say a car engine) are built to far tighter tolerances than even just a few years back and in places beyond what a human can do. Then there are just the jobs that are just plain dangerous. Either way, you benefit yourself by a reduction in the price of non-food items. It may not feel like that, but we expect a lot more from what we buy. Cars have almost ridiculous levels of tech and that smartphone you probably own would never have been available at the price point we’ve come to expect.

 

[Theo520]

I think this has become a diversion, and we aren’t really in disagreement. The USA has exported many manufacturing jobs, but since we are the world’s largest economy, we still do significant manufacturing. Both can be true.

I’m delighted with what China is doing in Africa, and I fully expect their financial aid has strings tied to it, to buy Chinese goods and equipment.

The African countries are comparing what different countries offer and hopefully picking deals that also work for their country.

 

[Victoria33]

It’s in the news, some countries are pulling out of allowing Chinese projects in their country. Not in Africa but I believe the country is Malaysia.

 

[Theo520]

It’s in the news, some countries are pulling out of allowing Chinese projects in their country. Not in Africa but I believe the country is Malaysia.

Malaysia is fairly developed, not desperate for China capital.
Maybe they are using the situation to negotiate better terms.

 

[Sarcelle]

China offered to build the railroads in the Philippines but with a caveat.

Only Chinese workers would be allowed to build and maintain the railroads. Philippines said no thanks and instead chose Japan to build their railroad infrastructure. Japan was more flexible and agreed to use Filipinos to build and maintain it. This way employment would be generated within the country.