China's Green Transition: Analysing Chinese Minerals Policy, and its Impact on Zambia
2023 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This study concerns the dynamics of Chinese strategic minerals policy and its effects on Zambian copper mining between 2016-2020. The essay employs a complementary—theories congruence analysis using Resource Security Theory, Debt Trap Diplomacy, and the Pollution Haven Hypothesis in order to analyse China’s actions and ascertain their effects on Zambia.
The study found that China has a large presence within Zambian copper mining through the use of state-owned enterprises, aiding China in its goal of supplying domestic copper demand, and thus addressing resource security. These state-owned enterprises act within the Belt and Road Initiative framework. China is not using Debt Trap Diplomacy in Zambia, but may be able to in the future. China’s presence is negative for the Zambian environment. The moving of mining from China to Zambia has a positive impact on the Chinese environment.Chinese state-owned enterprises are far less stringent in abiding by environmental laws in Zambia than in China. The study shows that Resource Security Theory and the Pollution Haven Hypothesis hold strong explanatory value for the case of China in Zambian copper mining. Debt Trap Diplomacy proved a weaker theory, as natural resources have not been exchanged for debt write-off.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 49
Keywords [en]
China, Zambia, resource security, energy metals, energy minerals, copper, environment, Debt Trap Diplomacy, Pollution Haven Hypothesis, Resource Security Theory, Green Transition
National Category
Political Science Economics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11774OAI: oai:DiVA.org:fhs-11774DiVA, id: diva2:1793363
Subject / course
Political Science with a focus on Crisis Management and Security
Educational program
Swedish Defence University’s Bachelor Program
Uppsok
Social and Behavioural Science, Law
Supervisors
Examiners
2023-09-052023-08-312023-09-05Bibliographically approved