Hostility Toward Workers Cools Angola-China Relationship

By BENOIT FAUCON and SHERRY SU

Luanda, Angola

Here, the love affair between China and Africa is on the wane. Oil-rich Angola, the recipient of at least $8.5 billion in infrastructure loan agreements from China, has become a symbol of the Asian nation’s strategy in Africa. But cracks are showing in the relationship between the two countries, at a time when China is already showing a new interest in other regions—notably, ones where Western nations are reluctant to do business. 

Human-rights activists say Chinese workers and companies have been singled out for physical attacks. Meanwhile, staff and facilities have been targeted by antigovernment forces.

A central issue is growing resentment that companies are importing their own Chinese workers rather than employing Angolans to rebuild the country after its 27-year civil war. According to the Angolan government, 70,000 Chinese people work in Angola, ranging from crane and bulldozer operators to more-skilled railway technicians. More…….

Tags: Angola, Bradt Guide to Angola, Cabinda, crime and security, Economy, FLEC, Luanda