The EU and China's engagement in Africa : the dilemma of socialisation

This paper seeks to analyse the evolution of the conflict of norms and the conflict of interests between the EU and China in Africa as well as the interaction of norms and interests. In the quest for cooperation and dialogue between the EU and China in Africa, the focus should be on seeking common ground and developing a pragmatic approach. Overemphasising the norms debate at the beginning of this process can only lead to misunderstanding and mistrust, rather than enhancing mutual comprehension and trust. Socialisation is not a process that can be imposed from without. If the objective of the trilateral dialogue is expectation of the unilateral socialisation of one party, the results will inevitably be limited. In competition with other great powers - and sometimes giving rise to dissensions among the EU Member States themselves - the EU's attempt to spread European norms and values through the concept of unilateral socialisation will, from the Chinese government's point of view, only undermine China's willingness to cooperate with the EU.