Of other spaces? Hybrid forms of Chinese engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Chinese economic activities in Africa have gained increased visibility in parallel to the recent acceleration of Sino-African relations. This paper, which is framed from a geographical perspective that is often absent or neglected in studies covering China–Africa, focuses on the spatial forms and dynamics. It depicts the way in which two contrasting Chinese economic entities – a state-owned company in Chad and privately owned commercial malls in Johannesburg, South Africa – engage with their respective host environments. While drawing on concepts of “liminality” as well as “heterotopias”, I argue that the modalities of the Chinese footprint are characterised both by closure and interaction, creating a dynamic tension that produces its own set of unique practices. This ambivalence between enclave and active linkages with host societies is not only perceivable from a spatial point of view, but also emerges with regard to economic strategies. In the midst of a transitional period, along with a launching and a consolidating phase, the Chinese economic entities in both case studies show signs of change in terms of behaviour and territorial foothold.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-73
Number of pages32
JournalJournal of Current Chinese Affairs
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2015
Externally publishedYes

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