It is essential for both China and Europe to unite in developing and stabilizing Africa's economy. Global times posted that it is the only answer to the migration crisis and it is also the solution to the spread of terrorism and underdevelopment in the country.
Africa and Europe convened in Cote d'Ivoire which aimed at addressing the countries lines of cooperation for the future and to strengthen their political and economic ties in 2017. The meeting was reported to be the fifth summit since 2000. Last year, China hosted the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing. Both the European Union and China were in good relations with Africa. The two big economies are helping Africa to stabilize its economy and it is also obvious that they both need its resources.
Africa was historically in connection with EU and China. It was however reported that the country suffered from slavery, colonization, evangelization, and exploitation without any concern for development on the EU's interventions and the aids given to Africa by China advocates anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, and mostly encourage national independence.
The Joint Africa-EU Strategy which was defined in 2007 worked to develop a shared vision and common principles. There are other forms of relation between Europe and Africa. The international cooperation framework between the EU and Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries can be considered as another form of EU-Africa relations. It was however reported that statements on equal partnership and common decision processes in these prior relations never showed mutual benefit for both parties.
According to the Global Times, during the centuries of European intervention and engagement to Africa, there were no signs of real development in industrialization and modernization. The economic and military entry of the United States replaced Europe's conquer-and-colonization in the post-colonial phase. The policies were then replaced with new forms of western multinational exploitation with the aid of advanced technology and better financial means. Most of the European/Western interventions in Africa have attached conditions that could be beneficial to the colonizers and these countries interventions control Africa's internal affairs. The African countries are expected to follow the pre-conditions and European agenda for them to receive aids or loans.
On the contrary, China is using a different approach in providing aid to Africa. The economic giant uses a different model of cooperation that could be used as a reference globally. China is reported to establish a mutually beneficial political and economic relationship with the African Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that China-Africa cooperation is fundamental for African success and is contributing to the world's development and peace.
Placing the development and stability of Africa as a top priority, it is important for Europe and China to work as one in helping Africa.
