The Beijing China-Africa Summit of 2006

Abstract

The China-Africa Summit of 4–5 November 2006 was the largest ever high-level conference on Africa held outside of the continent. In its relations with African countries, China has traditionally avoided presenting itself as a donor, preferring to see itself as a large developing country working alongside other developing countries. It pursued a gradualist and integrated approach towards cooperation that emphasised the mutuality and two-sidedness of the cooperation. However, the various pledges, promises and targets included in ‘The Beijing Action Plan—2007–2009’ that was unveiled at the Beijing Summit gave it more of an aid flavour. While this need not make China into a Western or Japanese style donor, it will certainly have a series of consequences for China's relations with Africa.