التوجه الصيني تجاه دول إقليم غرب أفريقيا: دراسة في الجغرافية السياسية

Abstract

The research aims to identify the importance of the countries of the West African region as a vital area for Chinese interests by knowing the size of natural, human and economic resources, and that the enormous wealth possessed by the countries of the West African region is a strategic stock of important natural and mineral resources. It was natural for China to accelerate the development of its economic and trade relations, in light of its need for more raw materials to meet its industrial needs and economic growth. This prompted China to invest in oil and gas sectors in West Africa such as Nigeria and Angola to ensure oil supplies. The research reached a set of results, most notably: 1- The countries of the West African region have become of great importance to Chinese interests, and this importance is attributed to the fact that the continent of Africa contains huge natural wealth and resources, especially energy sources (oil and natural gas), 2- The countries of the West African region have Africa has a large population size, as it reached (299,576,000) people in 2017, as China found that it could be good markets to sell its products of goods and commodities that are commensurate with the purchasing power of these markets. The research recommended a set of recommendations, most notably: the necessity of maintaining security and stability in the countries of the region and resolving conflicts between the countries of the region through dialogue and peaceful means, and not resorting to other external powers that may find in this a key to access and control the wealth of the region.