China’s security and economic engagement in West Africa: Constructive or destructive?

Abstract

Chinese officials tend to claim that Chinese economic and security activities in Africa are based on the principles of equality and mutual benefits (win-win), thus they are generally beneficial to the nation-building and development of African countries. Drawing on the case study of Ghana, this article argues that China’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of national security agencies, fighting against piracy, strengthening maritime security, and promoting intelligence sharing in West Africa have been, in general, constructive. However, anti-Chinese sentiments mainly triggered by the involvement of Chinese migrants in illegal gold mining activities in Ghana and other West African countries have been destructive, with serious security ramifications for not only Ghana, but also the entire region that has a history of violent conflicts closely related to extraction of natural resources.