Evolving and differentiated strategy? A network approach to understand Chinese development finance

In recent decades China’s engagement in international development has been widely studied, although the drivers of Chinese strategy are still being debated. This article searches for evidence of a differentiated strategy according to the endowment of natural resources and political stability of partner countries, drawing on AidData financial flows from 2000 to 2021. Through social network analysis, the article maps cooperation ties between China and African countries to understand which African countries are more similar as a result of their links to the same Chinese institutions. The results confirm the Belt and Road Initiative as a cornerstone in China’s relations with African countries. However, evidence on country-specific factors is inconclusive: overall, political stability seems to be relevant, while natural resource endowments do not emerge as a driver of specific behaviours. The findings challenge the view that Chinese engagement with African countries merely aims at securing natural resources and increasing geopolitical influence, suggesting a more complex and pragmatic approach.