The rise of China as an economic power has led many to question what this means for its global political influence. Nowhere has China’s economic engagement come under greater scrutiny than in Africa. China is now Africa’s largest trading partner, which many see as having increased China’s political influence across the continent. China’s growing involvement in countries across the continent – from the Gambia to South Africa – has led to questions about whether this represents a ‘new colonialism’?

Adapted from an article in Political Studies.