Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist Oct-Nov 2018 | Page 56

CHINA, AFRICA AND FOCAC: THE TRADE AND INVESTMENT DILEMMA BY DR. BINOY KAMPMARK* T he third summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) continued to gather momentum as leaders gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 3, 2018. The approach taken at this gathering was not necessarily new from previous FOCAC summits, though it was clear that the PRC had been listening. This was all pattern and plan, a process long thought over in the halls of the Beijing politburo. The focus had, previously, been on the selfl ess angle of Chinese foreign policy, the marked contributions of an investment and trade policy without strings while still pursuing a muscular presence on the African continent. Freed of such conditions, the idea was seduction and conviction that would enable China to have access to a continent while also emphasising the theme of development. 56 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 10 • Oct-Nov 2018, Noida