Chinese-Tanzanian Friendship and Friendship Treaties

Abstract

This article provides a qualitative analysis of the social interactions between Chinese and Tanzanian participants within a joint Chinese-Tanzanian educational initiative in the Confucius Institute programming at the University of Dar es Salaam. The article addresses the issue of how the people involved understand their interactions and those of their governments in the context of the increased Chinese presence in sub-Saharan Africa. The article shows that Chinese-Tanzanian friendships are motivated by both materials benefits and mutual emotional support, partially reflecting the conditions created by the Chinese-Tanzanian friendship treaties.