The ongoing tension and hostility between China and Taiwan in Africa are a continuation of the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) between the forces of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which remained in mainland China, and the Kuomintang (KMT) of the Republic of China (ROC) which fled to the island of Taiwan. In the intervening years, China has claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and through persistent and aggressive political and economic efforts convinced much of the world to accept her as the sole and legitimate seat of the Chinese people and government. Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020provides a coherent account of why and how China was able to convince African governments to acquiesce to her claims which have resulted in the expulsion of and the diplomatic isolation of Taiwan on the African continent. This volume, edited by Sabella Ogbobode Abidde, also explains Taiwan's unsuccessful efforts at blunting China's maneuvers. It further discusses the endogenous and exogenous factors that swayed African governments to switch their diplomatic allegiance away from Taiwan--a country that was for many years an ally and dependable partner in their quest for growth and development. Finally, the book contains critical assessments of the role and place of China and Taiwan and their current relationship with states and societies on the African continent.
Sabella Ogbobode Abidde is professor of political science and a member of the graduate faculty at Alabama State University.
"Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020 is more than a superb description, analysis, and discussion of the trilateral relations among China, Africa, and Taiwan. Embossed with a balanced intonation and representation of Chinese and Taiwanese contestations, the book explores the two Asian countries' presence in Africa from a security, political, economic, and cultural diplomacy point of view. The book is an important but rare collection of creative and thought-provoking chapters by superstars in the field of Asian and African studies. I therefore recommend it to scholars and readers itching to understanding the historical and contemporary trajectory of the trilateral relationship." --Lawrence Mhandara, University of Zimbabwe "Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020 provides a refreshing overview of the three regions' political, economic, and historical associations. Each contributor offers a concise analysis of country-specific, regional, and international dynamics that ultimately informs readers of the PRC's and Taiwan's struggles for influence in African nations. With discussions that center on colonial and anti-colonial struggles, shifting global alliances, and soft power politics--either by economic means or cultural influences--this edited volume presents complex historical information utilizing an unpretentious manner. The editor of this manuscript has assembled contributors who provide a balanced view of this intricate tripartite relationship. For those who desire to understand PRC economic and cultural rapprochement, Sino-African relations, or the future of Taiwan, this book serves as a timely addition to the existing literature." --Alecia D. Hoffman, Alabama State University "I extend my support and endorsement to Sabella Ogbobode Abidde for his excellent experience and knowledge of China and Taiwan relations in Africa. This book provides significant information to justify the history of modern Africa's pursuit for growth and development amidst China and Taiwan's rivalry and growing influence in the continent." --Stanley Ehiane, University of Botswana "This book makes unique contribution to scholarship on international relations and development by explaining Taiwan's and China's involvement in Africa through the careful documentation and illumination of the important fact that: the pursuit of strategic social and material interests using power and influence is the key factor that underlies the time, form, nature, scope, specificities and consequences of China's and Taiwan's involvement in Africa, and how African nations on their part engaged the two countries." --Samuel Zalanga, Bethel University "This is one of the most comprehensive and significant books on Africa-China-Taiwan relations in the contemporary era. The editor's success in assembling leading scholars to produce this excellent volume makes this book not only timely, but the in-depth/rigorous analyses of the chapters on the critical areas of Africa's relations with China and Taiwan also make this work extraordinary. It is a must-read for academics, students, policymakers, and anyone seeking new ideas and perspectives on Africa-China-Taiwan relations." --Felix Kumah-Abiwu, Kent State University Alabama State University Graduate Faculty member and Political Science Professor Sabella Ogbobode Abidde has expertly edited Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020 to offer its readers what the 302-page volume's five positive endorsers have unanimously asserted as providing a very refreshing and also crucial overview of the politics, economics, and history of the three thematic regions: Africa, China, and Taiwan (the erstwhile Republic of China). Most certainly, Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020 Is a very useful publication that should go a long way to benefit university students at all levels as well as researchers-cum-experts, policymakers, and the general reader, who is in search of the most current impartial analyses of facts dealing with Africa-China-Taiwan relations. Therefore, the Editor and the Contributors should be highly commended for their serious scholarly outputs. -- "African and Asian Studies (AAS)"
