Asistant Professor, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University , shz.esmaeili@gmail.com
Abstract: (16 Views)
Recent critical studies have expressed concerns regarding the state of international competition in Africa, particularly with regard to China's influence in African countries and its cooperation with both national and local elites. However, while some observers emphasize these risks, many African intellectuals and practitioners view China's presence as both effective and beneficial, highlighting the transformative impact of Chinese infrastructure initiatives on the continent. This divergence in perspectives has led to the categorization of the images emerging from China–Africa relations into three distinct types: (1) African images of China from a global perspective; (2) African images of China from a multilateral perspective; and (3) African images of China from a bilateral perspective. In light of these debates, the central question of this study is: What are the foundations of the problem-oriented image in China–Africa relations from the perspective of stakeholders on both sides? The hypothesis of this study is that the Image of China in Africa and Africa in China is not solely shaped by China’s competition with major powers; rather, the agency of African states plays a decisive role. Contrary to portrayals that depict them as passive actors, these States actively pursue the diversification of their international partnerships, creating a competitive environment where they construct a positive image of themselves while shaping a negative image of China.
Article Type: Original Research |
Subject:
political Geography
Received: 2025/02/7 | Accepted: 2025/04/17
Received: 2025/02/7 | Accepted: 2025/04/17
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