Chinese and Development Assistance Committee (DAC) development cooperation and development finance: implications for the BRI and international governance

ABSTRACT

A comparison of Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and Chinese models of development cooperation and finance is indicative of whether or not the principles underling the Belt and Road Initiative differ significantly from those of the western-dominated liberal order. In spite of superficial similarities, the Chinese model rests on a different conception of international relationships: western models derive from an experience of colonialism and are evident in interventionist models (of coordination, harmonization, monitoring and evaluation and accountability requirements) designed to expand private ownership and western governance models. The Chinese model, while reflecting China’s interests, derives from China’s distinctive historical experience of engagement with its peripheries as one of “chao gong” (朝贡 tribute to an Emperor), China’s own experiences of colonialism and socialist development, Confucian values of self-reliance, mutual benefit (win-win) and noninterference and a concept of common values (共性 gòng xìng).

KEYWORDS:

• Self-reliance
• mutual benefit
• noninterference
• imperialism
• Development Assistance Committee (DAC)
• China

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Correction Statement

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Notes

1. https://www.beltandroad.news/2019/07/19/reinvent-international-monetary-order-or-face-chinese-dominance-france-finance-minister/.

2. This concept was first mentioned in report delivered at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November, 2012 by Hu Jintao. In March 2013 it was first mentioned on an international platform by Xi Jinping. In March 2018 it was adopted as a constitutional amendment at the first meeting of the 13th National People’s Congress, http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018lh/2018-03/11/c_1122521235.htm?baike.

3. In the case of Tanzania, Chinese aid is in areas identified by the Tanzanian government in its own development plans. These plans were opposed by DAC donors who considered only earlier Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers embodying DAC development concepts and conditionalities acceptable (Wei, Song, 2018, Chinese aid helps Africa’s independent development. Global times, 28th September. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1121391.shtml).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 41530751]; and the Chinese Academy of Sciences [grant number 2017VP01].