Constructing China’s identity in Zambian politics : a tale of expediency and resignation

Abstract: The paper argues that Zambian political parties have ascribed convenient identities to China in order to justify their quest for political office. Ruling parties realise the ideological and economic importance of China and hence support Sino-Zambian ties. Opposition parties denounce China with the aim of inflaming the sensibilities of ordinary Zambians who feel threatened especially by the recent increase of Chinese migrants who are perceived as threats to Zambian small scale entrepreneurship. The paper draws the conclusion that it is convenient for opposition parties in Zambia to construct and promote a negative identity of China to win the support of ordinary Zambians. The Patriotic Front has shown that, once in power, parties are more likely to change their stance on China because of pragmatic ambitions and a sense of resignation as China will increasingly be involved in, and have influence on, Zambia’s political and economic future