Diplomatic Relations Between China And Gabon From 1974 Up To Present

"Diplomatic Relations between China and Gabon from 1974 up to Present" analyzes, beyond the speeches, the true motivations and stakes of the Sino-Gabonese cooperation and the diplomatic ritual after thirty-five years of existence. It has evaluated not only the action of the PRC in Gabon, but the areas of Sino-Gabonese cooperation from 1974 to present as well. This study has enabled us to better define the orientations of Gabonese foreign policy towards Asia, mainly, China. In addition, it has evoked the period of hesitation and the multi-round diplomacy towards China.Besides, it has helped to understand the Gabonese post-independence diplomacy. This topic is a new grid of reading of these relations and gives an opportunity to evaluate the contemporary international relations qualified as realistic and pragmatic.The Sino-Gabonese cooperation is a new form of partnership, labeled as," diplomacy for economic development". A cooperation that changes the traditional approach to bilateral and multilateral relations.Thus, from the analysis, we can affirm that the trade between Gabon and China has not ceased increasing since 1974 until present; it has successfully reached the goal in terms of commerce. China has become Gabon's third largest trading partner after France and the United States. Trade has increased from 88 million in 1994 to 300 million in 2000, an increase of almost 24%. It is of necessary to clarify that such cooperation has contributed to the promotion of peace, coexistence between third world countries and different social groups within the country.In essence, the structures of cooperation between China and Gabon has demonstrated its practical side through treaties, agreements and joint commissions without omitting forums and travel to the summit of the two states.Although the Sino-Gabonese cooperation, labeled as "service for development", is viewed as realistic and pragmatic, it has still represented several shortcomings. Some barriers are to be deplored such as internal problems of Gabon and France, a colonial partner, remains influential on its relations with other countries.These barriers have led to some suggestions, such as the redefinition of a new legal scope for cooperation, boosting trade cooperation between the two countries to allow a broad integration of mutual benefit, south-south advocated by the United Nations.It is clear that the Sino-Gabonese cooperation is likely to grow further. Indeed, many business sectors such as mines remain to be exploited. These are just some promising domains to be developed.