Breaking ranks, In a first, France joins China to build $1.7 billion global infra projects

[FuturePAF]

France is just as imperialist as the US and UK. Imperialism is in their DNA.

Never trust the imperialists.

France’s reputation in Africa is toxic amongst the common people, just look at the recent expulsion of the French from Mali. Even as they plan to move troops from Mali to Niger, there is word the people of Niger will tire of them soon enough. The baggage of working with the French could taint any project China does there. Independent projects are more likely to be judged based on their merits.

A few years ago, France an offer to China; where France would bring its political connections (control over local politicians) and China would invest the money. If China works with France, many people in Africa will see China as supporting French Imperialism; called “Francafrique”.

 

[Beidou2020]

France’s reputation in Africa is toxic amongst the common people, just look at the recent expulsion of the French from Mali. The baggage of working with the French could taint any project China does there. Independent projects are more likely to be judged based on their merits.

A few years ago, France an offer to China; where France would bring its political connections and China would invest the money. If China works with France, many people in Africa will see China as supporting French Imperialism; called “Francafrique”.

This is why it is stupid to do joint infrastructure development. China doesn’t need others to build infrastructure. The French could sabotage these joint projects. Inviting the poisonous snake into your house.

 

[Shotgunner51]

France’s reputation in Africa is toxic amongst the common people, just look at the recent expulsion of the French from Mali. The baggage of working with the French could taint any project China does there. Independent projects are more likely to be judged based on their merits.

A few years ago, France an offer to China; where France would bring its political connections (control over local politicians) and China would invest the money. If China works with France, many people in Africa will see China as supporting French Imperialism; called “Francafrique”.

Yes they are toxic, uncompetitive technologically and lack the financial clout, but I can see three reasons why Beijing let them tag along.

Firstly, as you've mentioned, they own a ring of French-speaking power brokers especially in northern Africa, this will save time and costs for China instead of battling this political hurdle alone. Secondly, money, they can reel in IMF, guess by now you should've known how IMF serves European interests. Last but not least, they might be vassal to China's arch rival, but they aren't a worthy opponent, there's room for cutting deals.

 

[FuturePAF]

Yes they are toxic, uncompetitive technologically and lack the financial clout, but I can see three reasons why Beijing let them tag along.

Firstly, as you've mentioned, they own a ring of French-speaking power brokers especially in northern Africa, this will save time and costs for China instead of battling this political hurdle alone. Secondly, money, they can reel in IMF, guess by now you should've known how IMF serves European interests. Last but not least, they might be vassal to China's arch rival, but they aren't a worthy opponent, there's room for cutting deals.

Unfortunately, considering the state of African and world Politics, these limitations enable the French to stay relevant. Hopefully, China limits how much it does joint ventures with the French, otherwise the African people will see the Chinese companies as extensions of the French in a similar way as the US was seen by many Vietnamese as following on to the French during the Vietnam war.

 

[hualushui]

This is why it is stupid to do joint infrastructure development. China doesn’t need others to build infrastructure. The French could sabotage these joint projects. Inviting the poisonous snake into your house.

In the Middle East and Africa, China needs the cooperation of France.
Some countries choose French standards, sometimes requiring French engineering supervision and acceptance check.
France has a lot of local agents and has great influence in the political, business and media circles. This is the colonial dividend. China has to pay some price and give the French a piece of the cake so that our project can go smoothly. It's disgusting, but it's true.

 

[Tshering22]

France is indicating here that it is willing to take a different position from that of the United States. Interesting. The rift between the two is wider than we thought.

 

[maverick1977]

USA+UK+Australia versus Russia+China+Germany+France

you are forgetting India in USA UK Australia Quad... against Russia, China, Germany and France Quad , pls dont ignore SHUPA PAWA

 

[tower9]

I hope that aukus sub deal was worth it.

France is indicating here that it is willing to take a different position from that of the United States. Interesting. The rift between the two is wider than we thought.

France and Germany are probably second guessing their commitments to the empire because so much is running against their interests. Cooperation with China is in the interests of continental Europe.

In the Middle East and Africa, China needs the cooperation of France.
Some countries choose French standards, sometimes requiring French engineering supervision and acceptance check.
France has a lot of local agents and has great influence in the political, business and media circles. This is the colonial dividend. China has to pay some price and give the French a piece of the cake so that our project can go smoothly. It's disgusting, but it's true.

The world is run by mafias