The South African Institute of International Affairs cordially invites you to a Speaker’s Meeting to be addressed by the Honourable Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, HE Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on ‘The relationship between South Africa and Emerging Global Powers’.
China’s role in Sudan is one of the most closely watched and, in many circles, controversial relationships on the continent.
South–South co-operation has existed for many decades and has played a key role in solidifying unity among developing countries.
By seeking to become the fifth member of the Brics, the club of emerging powers formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China, South Africa has staked a bold claim to a central role on the global economic stage.
President Zuma’s visit to China this week completes the series of state visits to the BRICs that began in October 2009 in Brazil.
African leaders increasingly recognise the necessity of closer ties with the rising economic giant, calling for a concerted effort to better utilise the opportunities presented by China.
While Sino–Nigerian relations have grown significantly since the 1970s, several aspects of the relationship have been controversial and difficult.
So far the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has acted as a constraint on the worst protectionist pressures building in the global trading system following the 2008–10 global financial crisis, which is a testament to the system’s constraining power.
China and Nigeria have extensive economic links covering a broad range of sectors from construction and retailing to manufacturing and oil production.
Despite the financial crisis of 2008–2009, the pace of China’s investment into Africa has quickened.
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