The European Union and China in Africa

The growing Chinese presence in Africa is by many observers considered a threat to the hitherto undisputed supremacy of European powers on the African continent. This analysis takes a look at the Euro-Sino relations towards Africa in the fields of security, resource, trade, and development policies from three perspectives of international relations theory. Its comparison of European and Chinese objectives and strategies in Africa reveals areas of colliding interests, but also potential for cooperation. It further demonstrates the benefits of combining competing explanations for conflict and cooperation in international politics.