International Symposium: Deconstructing Inequality and Well-being between China and Africa

Recent scholarly works and media coverage point to the potential benefits to ordinary people of growing China-Africa relations. However, concerns have also been raised about possible downsides for individuals and household livelihoods. Indeed, some hypothesise that the growing presence of China in Africa is exacerbating economic inequalities due to increased competition for economic spaces. Therefore more research and more debate are needed to better understand the implications of these developments for the well-being of the masses.

The two-day event will bring together both local and international scholars from different academic disciplines to explore the implications of growing China-Africa relations for various aspects of everyday lives in both contexts. The symposium aims tofoster transdisciplinary and comparative research and conversations to broaden our understanding of the evolving relationship between China and African countries.

It will seek to address these and related questions:

• How is China’s economic and social transformation agenda impacting well-being and social inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa?
• To what extent can recent changes in inequalities and well-being in China and Africa be attributed to rising migration trends?
• How do we resolve growing tensions in natural resource interests and management for the well-being of the poor and disadvantaged?
• Can the revitalised Sino-Africa relations address the critical infrastructural deficit in sub-Saharan Africa?

Presently, speakers may include:

• Prof Yoon Jung Park (Adjunct Professor, African Studies, School of Foreign Service, George Town University; Convener of The Chinese in Africa/Africans in China (CA/AC) Research Network)
• Dr Heidi Østbø Haugen (University of Oslo)
• Prof Adams Bodomo (University of Vienna)
• Prof Barry Sautman (Hong Kong University of Science & Technology)
• Prof Gordon Mathews (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
• Dr Hairong Yan (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
• Dr Ross Anthony (Director Centre for Chinese Studies, Stellenbosch University)
• Dr Llyod G. Adu Amoah (Acting Director of Asian Studies, University of Ghana)
• Prof Roberto Castillo (Lingnan University)
• Prof Tu Huynh (Jinan University)

Date: May 9 – May 10, 2019

Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue: Paul S. Lam Conference Centre (Room AM308), 3/F, Amenities Building, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

Register NOW!

Registrations & Proposal Submissions close: 28 February 201

Enquiry:pamoah@ln.edu.hk