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China and Namibia: An All-Weather Friendship Investigated

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China and Africa

Part of the book series: The Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series ((PAMABS))

Abstract

The Chinese–Namibian relations are classified as an “all-weather friendship” in terms of bilateral relations. It dates back to the times of the anti-colonial struggle of the South West African Peoples Organisation (SWAPO), now the former liberation movement in government. SWAPO has been praisingChina for its support since then and has increasingly embarked on a “look East” policy. The level of intimate political interaction between the two governments has also materialised in a massive presence of Chinese companies and individual traders. While the bilateral relations are close, the Namibian population is much divided over the visibly expanding presence of Chinese companies and individuals. Anti-Chinese sentiments contrast with the positive inter-governmental relations. This chapter examines the “all-weather friendship” as it is perceived on different levels and in different perspectives and seeks to assess the role Chinese engagement in Namibia plays.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For a shorter summary version of this instructive MA Thesis see Amadhila (2012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden

    Henning Melber

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  1. Henning Melber
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Correspondence to Henning Melber .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. International Business and Economics, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom

    Young-Chan Kim

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Melber, H. (2017). China and Namibia: An All-Weather Friendship Investigated. In: Kim, YC. (eds) China and Africa. The Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47030-6_9

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