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?
I mean, when you say that the dominant side isn't trying to gain power over the other what exactly do you mean?
Like, the goal is always to get the other party to act in a way that is more beneficial for you, right? That's the point of forming an alliance or solving a problem, they both are done for the benefit at least one party, ideally both parties?
What is power other than getting someone to do what you want? Is the distinction you're drawing here just that diplomacy is more equitable than imperialism, which is strong arming or manipulating other states into doing what you want even though it's harmful for them?
What I mean is that the dominant side is just trying to get somebody else on their side. Theoretically, they are equals.
That's a good summary.
Okay, but the BRI appears to be some of the most mutually beneficial investment into poorer countries that we've seen in decades. Several people from countries that have been part of BRI have praised it and studies have shown it to have lasting positive impact on the affected economies, right?
So if you define imperialism basically as "one-sided diplomacy that is parasitic instead of symbiotic" then China is clearly not engaging in imperialism.