Our friend China's motives are pure

Though accused of resource exploitation, the Asian giant has brought new hope to Africa

Economic diplomacy in the past was hierarchical and traditional, often being premised on North-South cooperation that had been shaped by Cold War politics. Globalization bequeathed increased competition for capital flows and economic marginalization, especially for African countries. As a result, the need to effectively respond to globalization necessitated changes in Kenya's foreign policy trajectory.

In November 2014, Kenya published its first Foreign Policy Framework since independence in 1963. The publishing of this seminal document coincided with the buoyancy of Kenya's soft power in the international community. Key to these developments has been the willingness of Kenya to adopt a more pragmatic and innovative approach to economic diplomacy, as seen in Sino-Kenya relations.

China is highly regarded as a strategic partner in Kenya's bid to realizing Vision 2030, the country's development program. This is best seen in the launching of major infrastructure developments across the country. As a result, it comes as no surprise that total trade between China and Kenya reached $5 billion (4.73 billion euros; 4 billion) in 2014 - an increase of more than 50 percent on the previous year.

An example of this is the Standard Gauge Railway, that will link Mombasa to Nairobi, which is being built by the Chinese. This project is billed as the most momentous and ambitious undertaking in Kenya since her independence. Originally, the SGR was just to link Mombasa and Nairobi. However, the decision was made to extend the line to Naivasha as part of a second phase. The project is estimated to cost around $5 billion for the first 609 km from Mombasa to Nairobi. The Export-Import Bank of China is funding this project through a mix of commercial and concessional loans to the government of Kenya. It is projected that the first phase of the project will be completed by June 2017 - barely two months before the general elections.

The hope is that the SGR will shorten the travel time between the two major cities from 12 hours to just under 5. According to the International Railway Journal, this will be accomplished with passenger trains traveling at 120 km/h. Additionally, freight trains will be able to carry 25 million tons per year. As a result, there will be reduced congestion on the road network and tourism will grow.

While this is seen as positive for Sino-Kenya relations, critics argue the opposite. Certain voices say China intends to exploit African resources in a bid to consolidate its super-power status on the global stage. Furthermore, environmental risks and unsustainable public debt are cited as existential threats to Sino-Kenyan relations. But this is just a bad case of Western states indulging in sour grapes.

This recurring commentary by Western institutions reminds one of the Prometheus story in Greek mythology, in which he is presented as the protector and benefactor of mankind. According to the myth, Prometheus - at an event called the Trick at Mecone - hoodwinked Zeus. As a result, Zeus was so infuriated that he hid fire from humanity as a punishment. In a bid to help humanity, Prometheus stole the fire back and gave it to the humans. Zeus was so angry he asked Hephaestus to create Pandora, who would bring torment to humanity.

The fear of Western institutions is that the growing power of China in Kenya (and Africa by extension) will displace the political and economic interests that they have worked so hard to enhance. Consequently, like Zeus in fashioning Pandora, they are propagating anti-Chinese hocus-pocus branded as Bretton Woods intellectualism.

China's entry into Africa has the potential to increase economic and political competition in the continent that would enhance the overall welfare of the African peoples.

China's friendship is not always predicated on extracting natural resources. Nelson Mandela, while in Oslo in 1991, said that while the West had ignored him until his victory was assured, China had backed him from day one. China had been supporting the anti-apartheid African National Congress as early as 1950, a few months after apartheid officially began. The West tacitly supported apartheid, even in the wake of a piece of legislation prohibiting mixed marriages. It was not until the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 that the United Nations and the United States changed their stance on the issue, while Britain was reluctant to cut ties.

The benefits Kenya accrues from China far outweigh those it receives from Western countries. China continues to finance key infrastructure and construction projects. Additionally, it offers affordable and diverse products for consumers. According to a 2014 survey by the Sino Africa Center of Excellence Foundation, Chinese companies have created nearly 2,200 direct jobs, equivalent to 5.3 percent of the total jobs created through foreign direct investment.

The author is a Political Analyst at the Africa Policy Institute.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.