Feigned Ignorance is Bliss: Chinese Energy Investments in Africa

Chinas exploding economy demands oil. Not obtaining the necessary energy requirements could potentially result in an economic and political crisis within China. Consequently, oil is at the forefront of Chinas requirements list. However, as China has taken steps to grow its economy, it has come under international scrutiny for its business practices, which appear to demonstrate blatant disregard for human rights. Simultaneously, poverty and human rights abuses are spreading in several African nations, which in part are blamed by some observers on Chinas disregard for ethical business practices. Prominent examples of this disregard for human rights appear to be a recurring characteristic of Chinese investment in Africa. Nevertheless, China may not have any better choices at the moment, with most of the prime oil resources already controlled or dominated by Western energy companies. What is clear is that China is providing much needed infrastructure aid to many countries that are lagging far behind the rest of the world in exchange for access to energy resources. Whether or not the benefits of Chinas aid will ever trickle down to the average citizens of these countries has yet to be seen. If experience and statistics have any bearing, then the likelihood of this happening in the near-term appears to be small.