Alden's book answers the need for a measured review of China-Africa relations. Alden combines judicious analysis with a balanced, authoritative survey of the context and nature of current relations

Unlike those commentators who have rushed to pronounce and prescribe, he captures the rich potential and sense of dynamism that China has catalysed in Africa with a grounded appreciation of the challenges and constraints ... This is important

A useful analysis of China's increasing economic role in Africa.

Chartist

Chris Alden has written the first substantive book on China-Africa relations in three decades. Anyone wishing to understand the complexities of China's engagement with Africa must read this fine study.

David Shambaugh, George Washington University & The Brookings Institution

In this elegant and engaging study, Chris Alden brings together the key pieces that define the complex mosaic of China's recent engagement in Africa. Analytically sophisticated and drawing on an impressive vein of evidence, this book must be welcomed both as an illuminating account and for its measured judgment.

Garth le Pere, Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa

The companion volume to Zed's "The United States in Africa".

North South

For me, the best and most coherent approach to the political economy of China in Africa is given by Chris Alden in his short engagingly written book....

Review of African Political Economy. No. 115. 2008