China's National Image In Africa: The Current Situations, Problems And Construction

The national image has become an essential component of the national interest. In the new period, China-Africa relations have achieved an all-round development. China has established a new strategic partnership with African countries. When China is on the process of becoming a global power, Africa remains an important strategic ally and partner of China. China's attitude in Africa shows to the whole world the style and responsibility that a rapidly-developed oriental nation should have. Therefore, building a better national image in Africa will contribute a lot if China wants to gain more indispensable hard power and soft power resources. To explore and research China's national image in Africa will help to establish China's national image strategy and to build an image as "a peacefully-developed responsible great power" by means of development, cooperation and communication.However, at the same time, some western people begin to worry about the healthy development of China-Africa relations. They are afraid that the western countries will lose their absolute control in Africa's resources and markets and their powerful influence in Africa's politics. The huge differences in ideology and political institution result in the confusion of western countries which causes many unrealistic judges toward China. In the process of China-Africa cooperation and development, there are also some African people's misunderstandings and complains toward China as a result of some misbehaviors or inadequate publicity of the Chinese side. All those factors have caused a negative impact on China's national image in Africa.In this context, it is extremely necessary to explore how to improve China's national image in Africa. Based on the perspective of China-Africa relationship, this paper analyzes the current national image of China in Africa, points out the existing problems, looks for the factors which affect the building of the image, and puts forward some strategies for China to improve its national image in Africa.