Summary:
This article highlights some of the problems that have arisen since China began to seriously increase its presence in Africa for resource extraction purposes. The article focuses on Zambia, a copper-rich nation to the south that China has taken an interest in. There have been several instances of corruption that the article points out, and even some violent clashes between Chinese mining companies and Zambian workers due to working conditions and withheld earnings. One such clash resulted in the death of a Chinese mine manager and two wounded supervisors. Another violent incident ended with Chinese mining officials firing pistols at a crowd of angry workers, of which 13 were injured. The author emphasizes that there is no lack of corruption on the part of the Zambian government either, and even mentions a conversation he had with the Zambian director of mines in which the director claimed that the Chinese were in for a big fight regarding their rights to the mine. The actual response was to increase the royalty rate.
Analysis:
In humanity's quest for endless resources on a finite planet, there will undoubtedly be more and more casualties. If the sad history of the African continent and its exploitation for resources serves as a warning to the entire world, we should heed it. Imperialism is nothing new at this point, but it must be stopped. If we are to exist on this planet, we need to figure out how to sustain ourselves by using our own resources. Energy for the China or America equals less of something for Africans or South Americans. Energy for us equals less habitat for animals, and in most cases, dead animals. Tensions are so high in Nigeria over Shell's presence that locals have formed militias and attacked Shell's drill sites and workers. Hopefully the Chinese miners will take the hint.
Link:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/06/china-zambia-resources-imperialism.html
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