Abstract
This article explores the relationship between China and Africa in the context of BRICS (a bloc
comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). BRICS has been touted in some
quarters as offering an alternative anti-imperialist road to the dominance of the North (the United
States and the European Union) as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank
and World Trade Organisation (WTO). On the other hand, it has been argued that rather than
challenging the present trajectory of global capitalism, BRICS acts in a sub-imperialist way,
furthering global capitalism through its own regional alliances and often allying with economic
super-powers. This article explores the debate, paying particular attention to the role of China in
Africa.