China-Africa Trade Relations: An Analysis Of The Benefits Of China Industrial Revolution In Contemporary Nigeria
Oluka Nduka Lucas
Doctoral Student, Department of Political Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Ativie C Ailende
Department of Political Science, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria
Efeosa-Temple Gladness Chinwe
Department of Political Science, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria
Keywords: China, Africa, Nigeria, Trade, Partnership, Diplomacy, Bilateral relations, Industrial revolution, Economic development
Abstract
The emergence of globalization and the extension of Western capitalism from the North to the South in the recent past has not only contributed positively to economic growth in the industrialized nations of Western Europe but also created lots of mixed feelings in the Third World countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Also created in the global economic system is division and inequality with the Third World nations at the receiving end. While the nations of the South are primary producers of raw materials and major consumers of finished goods from the industrialized nations, the developed nations are secondary producers of raw materials and exporters of finished goods. Since the advent of the Chinese revolution in science and technology, this situation is changing for good, with a lot of Chinese interests in Africa. Nigeria, which is one of the major beneficiaries of China’s technical productions, has benefited in distinct ways including areas in the field of oil and gas, pharmacy, telecommunication, agriculture, steel processing and manufacturing sectors, among others. This study argued that the most fascinating of all is the availability and affordability of China power generating sets and electronic devices available in virtually all homes in the country in spite of the economic conditions in the country. The study also argued that the diplomatic trade relation between China and Nigeria is reciprocal and not the master-servant kind of relationship which existed between Nigeria and countries like Britain, the United States of America, etc. The study, therefore, examines the effects of China’s industrial revolution and her diplomatic relations to the economic development of the African states, particularly Nigeria. To achieve this, the study adopts qualitative as well as explorative research methods such that secondary source of data was utilized. Also adopted is the “Interdependency Theory” which was pioneered by Raymond Leslie Buell in 1925 which was popularized in the work of Joseph Nye and Robert Keohane in 1977. The study recommends, among others, the sustenance of China-Nigeria diplomatic trade partnership which has shown reciprocity and symbiotic trade intercourse over the years