Asian-African Relations in a Historical-Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Modern post-colonial relations between independent states in Asia and Africa date back to the late 1940s. This article focuses on China, India, Japan, and Korea, whose relations with Africa during the Cold War went through several phases. The post-Cold War situation created a unique historical momentum to redefine relations with the continent. All four countries could build upon their positive image in Africa and aspire to become new leaders in Africa´‘s foreign relations. China had strong economic and political domestic reasons to turn to Africa, formulated a relatively cohesive strategy towards the continent, had enough resources to support this strategy, and found a positive response in African countries. Contrarily, Japan lacked financial resources and suffered from being perceived as part of the West, India failed to formulate a coherent strategy towards Africa and lacked financial resources, and Korea did not have strong interests on the continent. This explains the success of China in Africa; however, in the last decade India, Japan and Korea have started more pro-active policies in Africa. By recognizing the limits of China´s engagement in Africa, they can define their own comparative advantages and exploit new opportunities.