China may be popular amongst some politicians, but support
on the ground can be much thinner. In spite of increased trade
and warmer relations, there has been a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment
among workers, civil society and businesses in South Africa. Tensions
arise when small local companies find themselves in direct competition
with Chinese traders. In some quarters, there is still resentment
of the Constitutional Court's judgement a year ago declaring Chinese
of South African descent 'black' and eligible for affirmative
action and black empowerment. There are claims that non-South
African Chinese companies 'front' as locals to secure contracts.
The African National Congress (ANC) is so confident of electoral
victory on 22 April that it can largely ignore such sentiments....
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