How African Immigrants Are Perceived in China

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How African Immigrants Are Perceived in China
Coping in The Middle Kingdom, Challenges For Africans

© Tongkeh Joseph Fowale
Apr 1, 2009

Africans increasingly constitute a significant number of the foreign population in China. This article examines some of the major huddles they face in this strange land.

In her award-winning novel Wild Swans, Professor Jung Chang paints a vivid picture of the impression the Chinese had about foreigners in general, and Africans in particular. Of Africans, young school children were told “They are less developed and haven’t learnt to control their instincts so they are given to displaying their feelings whenever they like ….” This was the portrait of an African in the eyes of the Chinese in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Given that this 1960 and ’70 generation is now in control of China in different capacities as teachers, administrators, policy makers and opinion leaders, it is easy to understand how an African is perceived in modern China. Despite media publicity about Sino-African relations and the fraternity between the peoples of both sides, Africans in China are still to be accepted as equals in a relationship between brothers “who share a common history” as politicians like to put it.

Why African Migrants Now “Look East”

As a survival strategy, migration has become part of the agenda of every aspiring African. This explains why they have earned the infamous reputation for “voting with their feet.” The influx of African migrants into China in recent years is explained by two main factors. The first is the vast opportunities China now offers foreign migrants. The second is the increasing level of discrimination and xenophobia they encounter in western countries which themselves have come under severe economic difficulties in recent decades.

Since its “Open Door and Reform Policy” in the 1980s, China has experienced unprecedented economic growth. This single factor has made China the centre of attraction for migrants from all over the world. China’s growing stake in the global political-economy has also left Africa at its mercy. As Malia Politzer agrees “China and Africa: Stronger economic ties mean more migration.” This is a manifestation of what is known today as Sino-African relations.

Challenges Awaiting African Migrants in China


Because of the color of their skin, African migrants face a mountain of challenges in China. At the peak of this mountain stands the problem of racism or Afro-phobia, which is manifested in all forms of discrimination especially in employment. To say you are African is enough to end a discussion with an employer who was eager to hear the word America, Britain, Canada or Australia. This situation has forced many Africans to produce fake documents in an effort to mask behind the identities of the esteemed and respected nations.

An average Chinese on the street best knows Africa as a “country” plagued by hunger, war and disease. The general Chinese public is “well informed” that Africa is too hot for human habitation. In the general ranking of states and people, Africa and Africans come at the bottom of everything. This is the angle from which the Chinese public sees Africans in every area of life including social interaction, employment and even education. Being African therefore places you at the tail-end of everything in the name of opportunity in China.

How time Changes the Perception of Africans by the Chinese Public

Several factors are already at work to redeem the image of Africans in the eyes of the Chinese. One of them is the rise of Obama as President of the United States. America is not only China’s rival at the world stage, but also its yardstick for development and civilization. For a black man to lead this country is enough credit for Africans many of whom are already called Obama on the streets of China.

As Africans continue to implant their feet on Chinese society as students, business people and teachers, some old attitudes are gradually being eroded. Many new "chocolate" babies with African fathers are beginning to amaze the Chinese public especially in cities with a high concentration of Africans like Guangzhou. In the 1960s, ‘70s and even ‘80s, this was equal to abomination. The increasing presence of such babies is enough prove that times, things and habits have changed. As Obama rules America, who can say with absolute certainty that an African will not rule China or influence its policy one day?

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Interesting question -- "As Obama rules America, who can say with absolute certainty that an African will not rule China or influence its policy one day?"

I see African optimism and China's inclusiveness in history. It might take time, but we will get there. 

African nations need to do more in public relation campaign to promote their countries and their people, like those TV advertisements from Thailand and Malysia to promote their tourism. It is a brainwash engineering process.

I think Kenya was running such commercials a while back.  I really want to go.