Across Africa, public opinion about China has been quite positive overall with favorability ratings surpassing those of other major powers, including the United States. But not in Zimbabwe, at least among the country’s elites, according to a new survey.
Only 37% of urban, educated Zimbabweans felt positive about China’s impact on their country, significantly lower than the 63% favorability score that Afrobarometer recorded just a couple of years ago.
The new poll was conducted earlier this year by William Hautungimana and Haruka Nagao, both assistant professors at Oklahoma State University in the United States. William joins Eric & Cobus from Stillwater, Oklahoma to explain why China’s approval rating is comparatively low and what’s fueling the skepticism about the Chinese in Zimbabwe.
About William Hautungimana:
William Hatungimana teaches courses in Comparative Politics, African Politics, American Government, and Politics of Immigration and Migration. His research mainly focuses on Attitudes toward Immigrants. He explores the influence of material and symbolic factors on attitudes towards immigrants in Africa. He also conducts research on Corruption, Political Participation, and Africa-China Relations.
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