Chinese Expansion in Africa: A Field Study on Ethiopian Case

Abstract

Chinese expansion in Africa and its rapid growth in 21st century has been one notable topic in international community. Chinese involvements have been continent-wide, and the most of researches argue that through its aggressive diplomatic strategy, China now has won the advantageous position in even expanding more. Such involvements and influences of China have been studied, evaluated in various aspects and ways. Yet a two-year long local life experience of the author, in a small town of Ethiopia as a Chinese and Amharic speaking Korean, has revealed a distinctive fact. This article examines how Chinese expansion in Africa and Ethiopia has been done so far, and introduces how that expansion is being conceived by Ethiopian local public. As a result, this article evaluates Chinese strategy on its soft power enhancement as one unsuccessful in African continent.