China’s presence and dynamism in Angola (1983-2010)

China, independent and free, is trying to build lasting peace with the outside world and phenomenal economic development, as recommended by Deng Xiaoping in the ’78s. This ＂watchword＂ was quickly understood and put into practice by China’s political players. As part of its action plan, the People’s Republic of China explored the African continent, where it established diplomatic relations in order to make ＂allies＂, commercial and economic partners. In 1983, the Middle Kingdom established essentially diplomatic relations with Angola, which was experiencing an unprecedented war. The Sino-Angolan relationship was somewhat troubled, as Beijing sold munitions and weapons made in China to Jonas Savimbi’s camp, which was fighting against José Eduardo dos Santos’ regime. But after the China-Africa summit in 2000 and the end of the civil war in Angola in April 2002, everything had to be rebuilt. And that’s when Beijing made a ＄2 billion loan. China’s historic assistance to Angola laid the foundations for a relationship that continued to blossom until 2010.