China in Africa: The Push Continues But All's Not Well

An examination regarding the involvement of the growing Chinese with the African continent is given as well as the tensions that are developing as the Africans slowly realizes that the ties with China is costly despite the fact that China is giving some positive aspects with this relationship. Thus, it is being seen that China, as well as other major global powers as the US, Britain, France, and India, are only interested in extracting Africa's natural resources. China is viewed as a "free-rider" who takes advantage of the order and stability being maintained by other great powers. Thus, China is increasingly being pressured to conform to the western norms regarding the policy towards Africa. The US created the Africa Command (AFRICOM) so as to counter China's growing influence on the continent and to promote security and stability in the continent. Both the US and China will continue to use military force in their pursuit of energy security to ensure a steady supply of affordable energy to their respective countries. With this, China should realize that being a "great power" country is quite costly and that they should make some adjustments with regards to Africa's policy so as to pursue its economic desire.