China and Africa: The new era

Africa–China relations have attracted significant scholarships in the last 20 years, and Daniel Large has immensely contributed to this expanding body of knowledge. In his latest book, China and Africa: The new era, he offers readers an in-depth discussion of what he conceptualizes as the ‘new era’ in Africa–China relations, essentially manifested in the emergence, policies, and politics of Xi Jinping towards Africa, and the global context within which it all these happen. Apart from its introduction and conclusion, the book is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 is a historical, political, and institutional overview of the changing Africa–China relations. While the second chapter locates Africa–China relations within a broader international political economy, Chapter 3 discusses Chinese trade, aid, and investment in Africa while also highlighting the so-called ‘structural transformation’ in terms of infrastructure development, manufacturing, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the emerging debt issue in Africa–China relations. Chapter 4 interrogates the extent to which the China model is gaining ground in Africa and how African actors have responded. Chapter 5 discusses the ordinary exchanges between Africans and Chinese living in Africa and China. The final chapter articulates the security pillar of the new era as located in themes like ‘peace through development, investment protection, non-interference, China’s approach to and role in intervention in African countries, and African activism and adaptation’ (p. 192).