China's Political Ascent: An Analysis of Chinese Economic Engagement with Africa

• In Event: IPE and the Rise of China

Abstract

This paper investigates whether Chinese economic engagement with Africa promotes its political influence overseas. The growth of Chinese involvement in Africa has drawn much scholarly attention, yet there remains a lack of empirical studies on China’s increasing political influence in Africa, specifically the political outcomes of that economic engagement. Using panel data from 54 African countries, for the years of 2010 to 2022, this paper conducts a two-stage least squares (2SLS) analysis to examine whether China’s economic integration (i.e., trade, investment, and contracts) influences the partner countries' support of China in international affairs. The results indicate that African countries that receive more Chinese contract projects are significantly more likely to align with China in UN voting. Countries with higher levels of trade interdependence with China are significantly more likely to support China’s interests in international affairs. However, the impact of Chinese outward Foreign Direct Investment in African countries is statistically insignificant. The paper provides insight into how Chinese economic integration with African countries can increase Chinese global political influence.

Author

• Jingjing An, Claremont Graduate University