As far as I'm aware, China has been giving loans to various countries in Africa and building infrastructure in exchange for money and maybe some stuff like recognizing Taiwan as part of China. But why do people say China is imperialist for doing this? Is there truth to it or is it another strain of radlibs eating state department propaganda?

  • Ryan_Holman [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    I don't disagree that BRI policies benefit or have benefitted various countries.

    All I'm saying is that China isn't likely doing this just out of the goodness of their heart and they have the goal of gaining influence.

    • Diestar [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      Okay I have a gut feeling that they are doing it out of the goodness of their heart... if that's your only standard here

          • Ryan_Holman [he/him]
            ·
            3 years ago

            If the argument is that receiver also benefitting makes something not imperialism, then by that standard, IMF loans would not be considered that, seeing that governments receive much-needed money, but at a great cost (while BRI loans would be more beneficial to them).

              • Ryan_Holman [he/him]
                ·
                3 years ago

                I agree that they are the better of the two options. However, they both provide the same thing, just one has far less strings attached.

        • Diestar [he/him]
          ·
          3 years ago

          No and they don't even make that assertion. That's kind of my point.