| ID | 137195 |
| Title Proper | Of other spaces |
| Other Title Information | hybrid forms of Chinese engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Dittgen, Romain |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | 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. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Current Chinese Affairs Vol.44, No.1; 2015: p.43-74 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Current Chinese Affairs Vol: 44 No 1 |
| Key Words | China ; Economic Interest ; Economic Dynamics ; Chinese Engagement ; Economic Activities ; Sub-Saharan African ; Sino – African – Relations ; Economic Strategy – China ; Economic Entities – China ; Bilateral Economic Interest |