This paper seeks to address the correlation of foreign policy of states on human rights in general and the foreign policy of China on the human rights situation of Africa in particular, with special reference to Ethiopia and Uganda. The paper tries to specify why the African states welcomed China and pushed out Europeans and the USA, which are far more coercive states for human rights development and democratization than China. It also seeks to give an overview of China’s approach to human rights in it foreign relations juxtaposed with the human rights situation of selected African countries (Ethiopia & Uganda) before and after the coming of China to the continent.
Table of Contents
1. BACKGROUND OF THE PAPER
1.1. Introduction
1.2. An Overview
1.3. Understanding foreign policy
1.4. Foreign policy and human right
1.4.1. China’s foreign policy
1.4.2. China’s foreign policy and human right
1.5. An overview of Africa China relation
1.5.1. The material need
1.5.2. Access to new market and investment areas
1.5.3. Political Influence
1.5.4. Case of Taiwan
1.6. The place of human rights in Africa-China foreign relation
1.6.1. Prioritization of economic and social rights
1.6.2. The development paradigm
1.6.3. Focus on group right
1.6.4. Stability as a precondition
1.6.5. Why China succeed in Africa?
1.6.6. How human rights affected?
2. THE INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF CHINA’S FOREIGN RELATION IN ETHIOPIA AND UGANDA
2.1. Human right experience of Ethiopia
2.2. China’s investment intention and impact on human right in Ethiopia
2.3. Human right experience of Uganda
2.4. China’s Investment Intention and Impact on Human Right in Uganda
3. FINDINGS FROM THE TWO CASES
4. CONCLUSION
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Research Objective and Scope
This paper investigates the correlation between Chinese foreign policy and the human rights situation in African nations, focusing specifically on a comparative study of Ethiopia and Uganda. The research explores why many African states have favored Chinese investment over Western alternatives, despite concerns regarding China’s indifference toward human rights protections.
- Comparative impact of Chinese foreign policy on human rights in Ethiopia vs. Uganda.
- The influence of China’s "non-interference" doctrine on African governance and human rights.
- The nexus between economic development needs and political rights in the China-Africa relationship.
- Analysis of direct human rights violations linked to Chinese investments and labor practices.
- The role of Western influence versus Chinese economic dominance in shaping local rights environments.
Excerpt from the Book
1.6.6. How human rights affected?
As the goal of China’s foreign policy is mainly economic and the human right understanding of the country is relative which provides freedom to every country to define human right by themselves, the ‘authoritarian’ or ‘non-democratic’ stats of Africa can use the aid and technical assistance of China for suppression and strengthening their political power. Especially if the existing government has good position for economic need of the China’s government, they never cared about the human right situation of the country. For example the China’s government does not take any necessary action when the government of Sudan kills so many peoples in Darfur. Surprisingly the foreign affairs of China in Sudan made a speech as follows as Dr. Uche Ofodile sites it “regarding the crisis in Sudan, China’s Deputy Foreign Minister is quoted as saying: “[b]business is business. We try to separate politics from business. Secondly, I think the internal situation in Sudan is an internal affair, and we are not in a position to impose on them.”
The impact of China’s foreign policy and relation has not only an indirect impact like the above example, but also direct violation of human rights by its own organizations and citizens in foreign African states. For example, according to 2006 Amnesty International report states that the exploitation of oil in Unity and Heglig oil fields in southern Sudan, was accompanied by mass forced displacement and killing of the civilian population living there.
Summary of Chapters
1. BACKGROUND OF THE PAPER: This chapter introduces the context of the study, defining the relationship between Chinese foreign policy, national interests, and the subsequent impact on human rights in African countries like Ethiopia and Uganda.
2. THE INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF CHINA’S FOREIGN RELATION IN ETHIOPIA AND UGANDA: This section provides a comparative empirical analysis of how Chinese investment and policy influence the human rights records, labor practices, and internal governance of Ethiopia and Uganda.
3. FINDINGS FROM THE TWO CASES: This chapter synthesizes the research outcomes, highlighting how Ethiopia's reliance on Chinese aid has contributed to a deterioration in human rights, while Uganda’s reliance on Western-influenced institutions provides a different trajectory.
4. CONCLUSION: The final chapter summarizes the findings, arguing that China's focus on economic growth and non-interference often facilitates the erosion of political and human rights in African partner states.
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY: This section lists the primary books, journals, reports, and websites utilized to substantiate the research claims.
Keywords
Foreign relation, Foreign policy, China-Africa relation, Human rights, Investment, Ethiopia, Uganda, Non-interference, Economic development, Sovereignty, Political influence, Aid, Governance, Labor rights, Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the impact of China’s foreign policy on the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa, using Ethiopia and Uganda as comparative case studies.
What are the central themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the balance between economic development and human rights, the implications of China's "non-interference" policy, and how different African states manage external relations.
What is the core research objective of the author?
The goal is to determine whether Chinese economic engagement in Africa correlates with a decline in human rights standards and to assess the divergence in outcomes between Ethiopia and Uganda.
Which research methodology does the paper employ?
The paper utilizes a qualitative research approach, drawing upon secondary data such as academic journal articles, books, media reports, and human rights organization assessments.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body investigates the historical and current foreign policy frameworks of China, the "material needs" driving China-Africa relations, and detailed case studies of human rights records in Ethiopia and Uganda.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Foreign policy, China-Africa relations, human rights, Ethiopia, Uganda, sovereignty, economic investment, and non-interference.
How does the author define China's "non-interference" doctrine?
The author describes it as a policy where China avoids critiquing the internal political or human rights affairs of its partners, viewing these as sovereign matters, which often provides a shield for authoritarian regimes.
What is the main finding regarding Ethiopia compared to Uganda?
The study finds that Ethiopia, having deeper and more dependent ties to China, has experienced a more pronounced deterioration in human rights, whereas Uganda’s stronger local human rights institutions and persistent Western influence have helped mitigate some negative impacts.
- Quote paper
- MA Gizachew Wondie (Author), 2015, China’s foreign policy and its human rights impact in Africa. A comparative study of Ethiopia and Uganda, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/345502
