China's Second Continent

China’s Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa is a 2014 book on China’s neocolonialist endeavors in Africa by American journalist and photographer Howard W. French. A rigorous critique, and in part a rebuke of China’s obvious acceleration of neocolonialism, it analyzes the efforts of millions of Chinese diplomats and businesspeople who have relocated to Africa to work for Chinese companies. Most of these companies have cut costs and established new ventures by establishing overseas. French traces this phenomenon to its roots in modern Chinese philosophy and culture, particularly to the aphorism, “Empty things exist to be filled up.” He shows how neocolonialism is actively funded by the Chinese government, and how donations that are ostensibly made for altruistic reasons have often been a “foot in the door” tactic for aggressive exploitation. French also connects the phenomenon to social factors, including the overpopulation of China, which placed it on a fast track toward a systemic breakdown. The book has been celebrated for providing a comprehensive critique of Chinese neocolonialism, pointing out its possible future dangers.

Before China examined Africa as a serious opportunity for the full-fledged expansion of its national interests, French contends that they were preoccupied with population growth. As its population surpassed one billion, it desperately needed more arable land in which to expand its food supply. In terms of living space, China also recognized a need to resettle millions of citizens outside the current boundaries of the state. After coming to terms with these realities, Chinese diplomats and businesspeople set their sights on Africa. Besides farmland, one of the main economic incentives at the time was the abundance of mineral, ore, and diamond deposits. African countries, thus far, had been unable to penetrate deep enough into the earth to fully exploit these resources and had yet to systematize their mining industry. Another reason that China saw high value in African business ventures was the fact that the United States was slowly withdrawing from the continent. French marvels that Africa did not exploit these resources for itself, and admits he does not fully understand why.

In negotiating trade deals with Africa, China offered billions of dollars in subsidies and infrastructure in exchange for its land. These included hospitals, bridges, roads, sports stadiums, and cash incentives. China also promised to offer the human resources needed to help modernize Africa’s infrastructure and subsidized many small African businesses. In the wake of this cascade of trade deals, both Africa and China were highly optimistic about their economic futures. However, Africa’s optimism eventually faded when it realized that China was principally motivated by greed. Chinese companies were reluctant to employ African workers. They reneged on their promises to pay Africans living wages and to help their communities flourish. Working conditions were dirty and often posed health and safety threats. Activists within Africa and abroad realized that China was pillaging Africa’s resources and tried to make the injustices known. Meanwhile, the predominant mode of doing business deals transformed from reasoned and friendly agreement to deals fueled by bribery and corruption. Both China and Africa regularly paid off government administrators in order to pass corrupt, self-interested legislation. Africa’s class structure became increasingly stratified and unjust.



Towards the end of his book, French looks towards Africa’s future. By roughly 2040, Africa will reach a population of four billion – one billion of which will be immigrants from China. He enumerates some unresolved questions about this future; for example, how will global power relations shift? He suggests, ominously, that China may look beyond Africa to further expand its “two continent” dominion. It would automatically have the population necessary to form the largest army in the world. In China’s Second Continent, French envisions an African government that is all but alienated from its African cultural roots.