A Comparative Study Of China And India's Energy Diplomacy With Africa In The 21st Century

China and India are turning their eyes on the vast energy reserves in Africa.China and India have some differences in energy diplomacy with Africa.First,China pursues economic interests while India pursues UN reform by means of energy cooperation.The transfer of excess production capability and uncertainties of China-US relations result in increasing energy cooperation in order to strengthen China-Africa economic cooperation.However,energy cooperation is conducive to enhancing Indian influence in Africa and promoting the UN reform.Second,China boasts strengths in foreign assistance.Because of China's sound relations with many neighboring countries and its abundant financial resources,China implements aid projects to promote energy cooperation.Because of its strategical center in South Asian countries and its limited economic strength,India has to cut its aids to Africa.Third,their major difference relies in energy industry.This is mainly due to the successful restructuring of Chinese energy companies and government's important role in it.However,India lags behind in restructuring,reform and coordinated role of government.Fourth,China's maritime energy transportation is threatened.The main reason is that the United States and India implement the Indo-Pacific strategy,which enables India to obtain a relatively safe maritime environment,but poses a threat to China.For another,the US boasts powerful naval force and controls the Strait of Malacca.Finally,China suffers severe accusations from the western world.The accusations China is disrupting energy markets unveil concerns over China's growing economic and political influence in Africa.