China and the African Portuguese Speaking Countries: an evolving perspective of the political and diplomatic relations

Speaker: Prof. Cátia Miriam Costa

Prof. Cátia Miriam Costa, Researcher and Professor, Centre for International Studies, University Institute of Lisbon

Cátia Miriam Costa is a researcher and professor at the Centre for International Studies (University Institute of Lisbon). She is director of the Chair Interregionalism and Global Governance at the European Institute of International Studies (Salamanca/Stockholm). She is also visiting professor at the Institute for National Defence (Portugal), and was Member of Science Diplomacy of the Global Service Facility in Support of the Global Approach in Research & Innovation, “Building Capacity for European Science Diplomacy”, European Commission. She has coordinated and been a researcher in several international projects, financed by the European Commission, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and technology, and CYTED. She is regular presence in Portuguese media and has participated in media initiatives in Brazil, Germany, Britain and China.

Abstract:

This conference explores the evolution of diplomatic relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, tracing back to the period before their independence in 1975. By analyzing multiple sources, including articles from the Peking Review (now Beijing Review) that reference these territories, this study seeks to uncover the ways in which China’s engagement with Portuguese colonies influenced post-independence diplomatic ties. Focusing primarily on African Portuguese-speaking countries, we compare how each nation’s relationship with China developed uniquely, highlighting the roles of political, economic, and cultural factors alongside the international order environment.

Additionally, this research examines Macao’s significance as a potential bridge in these interactions, assessing its impact on China’s relations with Portuguese-speaking countries before and after Macao’s retrocession. This comparative approach provides a nuanced understanding of China’s longstanding interest in and strategic approaches toward these nations, fostering an understanding of how historical factors shaped contemporary partnerships.

Date：04/12/2024（Wednesday）

Time：16：00-17：30

Venue：E21B-G002

Language: English