Development Dialogues: Chinese Development In Africa and The British Media

Abstract

Chinese development stories from Africa have frequently appeared in the British media in recent years bringing these Chinese development efforts into the public eye. This research paper seeks to examine Chinese development in Africa, its portrayal in the British media and its ultimate effect on development dialogues. The aim of the research is to build on the work of Mawdsley (2008) and establish changes in the dialogue since their study was conducted. It argues that Chinese development is often subjected to framing which leads to unjustified criticism by approaching this topic from a UK-centric position in the media. By utilising a content analysis examining quantitatively and qualitatively, an understanding of the British print media sphere regarding Chinese development in Africa was garnered. Further interviews with journalists shed further light on this topic and highlighted the shortcomings of the UK media when examining development. This paper finds that the lack of critical engagement regarding Chinese development in Africa ultimately stifles development dialogue by taking such a UK-centric perspective to a topic which should ultimately incorporate a more inclusive approach giving voice to African interests.