China’s increasing visibility and influence on the global stage have induced a mixed response.
Many in the field of studying Chinese involvement overseas have invoked the image of the dragon. Professor Deborah Brautigam, an authoritative scholar on China’s aid programs in Africa, named her groundbreaking book about that subject “the Dragon’s Gift”. Professor Kevin Gallagher, a Boston University expert on China-Latin America economic relations, titled one chapter in his book “the Dragon’s footprint”.
Fully aware that the dragon metaphor might be clichéd and stereotypical, we believe that it nevertheless captures the menacing posture that many associate with China. Its ambitious global program to boost infrastructure building, to finance development projects and to expand the reach of its industries overseas at times seem like the muscular claw of the dragon trying to snatch its preys, be it energy or mineral resources.
But we should not forget China’s other global image, which is more cuddly and warm, as represented by the giant panda. Like the affection those chubby animals invoke in zoos across of the globe, many Chinese projects and initiatives overseas are actually welcomed and embraced. These include its longstanding medical aid program to Africa since 1960s, and more recently, its South to South climate aid.
The overused and value-neutral concept of “footprint” is inadequate in its imagery force to truly reflect the complexity of China’s involvement beyond its own borders. Here we take the liberty of juxtaposing the two polarized images, panda paw and dragon claw, and leave it to our readers to decide which one they see. We hope the site can work like a hologram.
We are also acutely aware of the fact that the story about China’s overseas adventures are often told from the standpoints of elites, in and outside the country. While documenting and analyzing the decisions and activities of politicians, financial institutions and business leaders are important, telling the story from the “civilian perspective”(民间视角) is also crucial to complete that story. To us, the words from a Sri Lankan fisherman are no less relevant than those of a European finance minister.
This blog is started by those who aspire to tell a better story about China’s involvement beyond its borders. We are journalists, campaigners, analysts, scholars and practitioners with years of experience navigating Chinese politics, bureaucracy, finance and their ramifications overseas. We hope that it will serve as a convening place for the community of China “storytellers” to share, discuss and debate about China’s impact globally, with a particular focus on developments in the energy and environmental fields.
Our team
Founder and Editor Ma Tianjie has been involved in policy analysis and environmental advocacy in China for over one and a half decade. He has been a member of the senior management teams at major environmental organizations in China since 2013, and has been a regular commentator of Chinese environmental and policy affairs for Chinese and international media including the Economist, South China Morning Post, China Daily and CGTN. He was an English major at Peking University and later earned his Master’s degree in environmental policy from American University. His areas of interest include China’s overseas footprint, environmental governance and online public opinion.
Editor Tom Baxter advises multiple organizations on their engagement with Chinese overseas investments. He works in the intersections between journalism and the NGO world and his writing has previously appeared in The Economist, South China Morning Post, China Dialogue, and elsewhere. Tom studied history at the University of Glasgow and Hong Kong University. His interests include China’s increasing global influence and the role of the media as an agent in public debate. He also maintains a keen interest in literature and the Chinese language.