Chad–China relations

China-Chadian relations

Chad	China

Chad–China relations refers to the

By 1965, Tombalbaye's anti-Muslim policies increased opposition to his government and led to an extended civil war, which further damaged the economy.^[4] When low-quality crude oil was discovered in the 1960s, investors were hesitant to develop the resource because of the political instability in the region.^[5] During this time, The People's Republic of China supported the Chadian National Union (CNU), a revolutionary group opposed to the French-backed government.

Despite this, by 1972,

In 2006, Chadian rebels backed by Sudan almost succeeded in ousting the Deby government. Although the rebels denied that they were linked to China, they carried weapons supplied by China to Sudan.^[7] In August 2006, as Chad resumed relations with China, Taiwan publicly stated that Chad reestablished relations with China because of the proxy war with Sudan.^[11] Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang said that President Idriss Déby of Chad had engaged in secret meetings with China to ask for intervention in the conflict on its border.^[8] Upon resuming relations with Chad, China proclaimed that it supported Chad's efforts to safeguard sovereignty and promote economic development.^[12] Over time, as Chinese assets increased in Chad, it became more vulnerable to regional instability. In 2008, another coup attempt by rebels backed by Sudan forced the evacuation of over 210 Chinese nationals from the capital.^[13] China assumed a diplomatic role to improve Chad-Sudan relations as well as enhancing its military relations with Chad.

Contemporary Relations

China and Chad are working to expand their bilateral cooperation in the development of infrastructure, trade, and investment. More recently, Xi Jinping has offered China's assistance to Chad in strengthening its counter-terrorism efforts to ensure stability.^[14]

Impacts of Covid-19 on China-Chadian Relations

The COVID-19 Pandemic has introduced tension into the relations between African nations and China.^[15] China has been reluctant to support the G-20's decision to suspend payments on debt through the end of the year.^[16]

During the 1990s, thousands of African Expatriates moved to China, especially to the city of Guangzhou, for better opportunities. Discrimination against their communities has been previously documented.^[17] However, the pandemic has raised new concerns. In China, Chadians and other Africans have been evicted from their residences, repeatedly tested for COVID-19, and forced to isolate based on their race.^[18][19][20] China has downplayed the situation,^[21] but multiple African ambassadors and representatives of the African Union, of which Chad is a member, have vocally complained to Beijing after incidents were posted on social media.^[15] In response, Zhao Lijian, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, issued conciliatory remarks calling for unity.^[22]

The first case of COVID-19 in Chad occurred on March 19, 2020. The head of China's medical team in Chad was invited to help coordinate the response to the epidemic by the Chad National Anti-epidemic Technical Committee.^[23] China is donating medical supplies and medical expertise to fight the epidemic in Chad.^[24]

Economy

China has an influential role in Africa. Researchers have offered varying views of the phenomena. Some describe China as a rising hegemon that sees Africa as a means of exerting its diplomatic and political influence in the world order.^[25] AidData notes that China appears to reward African countries that vote with it at the United Nations.^[26] Some critics find parallels to colonialism in China's interactions with African nations.^[27] Others emphasize the mutual benefits. Whereas nations like Chad reap clear economic benefits in the form of numerous infrastructure programs funded by Chinese developmental assistance, China acquires much needed natural resources and new markets for its products.^[28]

Energy

In the 1990s, Western corporations had renewed interest in the oil deposits in Chad. The

In 2007, China purchased rights to explore for oil in Block H, in the Bongor Basin. China had an interest in obtaining oil from Chad to support its economic growth.^[32] In return, China would provide loans and expertise to improve the economy in Chad. Since 2003, Chad had exported crude oil through the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline; however, it had to import the refined product. In September 2007, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) reached an agreement with Chad to work together on the US$1 billion Rônier project. Completed in 2011, the project runs 300 km of pipeline from the oil fields of Chad to the N’Djamena JV Refinery outside the capital city of N’Djamena. Ownership of the refinery is split 60-40 between China and Chad. The refinery produces 20,000 barrels a day of gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil, and its associated power system supplies electricity to the capital, allowing Chad to become more self-sufficient in energy.^[33]

Development Projects

In the mid-1970s before breaking ties with Chad, China provided a US$50 million loan to Chad to build a bridge across the Chari River to open a route to Cameroon. Over US$50 million of additional support was provided in the 1980s under agreements between China and the government of President Hissene Habre.^[7]

After reestablishing relations in 2006, China deepened engagement in Chad by diversifying from the oil sector. It is making significant investments in high-profile infrastructure projects in Chad. A 25-kilometer square industrial park is being developed by Soluxe International, who has also advanced US$150 million for its construction.

The trade between China and Chad is not one-directional. Chad's top exports are crude petroleum, insect resins, other oily seeds, and cotton. In 2017, China was the second-largest importer of goods from Chad, at an estimated US$251 million. In the same year, China exported US$114 million worth of goods to Chad, making it the top exporter to Chad. Overall, Chad has a positive trade balance with China since it exports more than it imports.[39]

Humanitarian Efforts

Although China's support for countries in Africa, such as Chad, is met with much skepticism by some, others point out the contributions made to Africa.

The Chinese embassy is located in N'Djamena.^[41] The Chadian embassy is located in Beijing.^[42] There are no additional consulates in either country.

References