About
Welcome!
I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I expect to receive my Ph.D. in the spring of 2026. I hold an M.A. in Political Science from UBC and a B.Sc. in Global China Studies from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
My research lies at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations, with a regional focus on China and Africa. I am particularly interested in public opinion, the political economy of development, Sino-African relations, and Sino-U.S. relations. Methodologically, I draw on survey experiments, panel data analysis, and interviews.
My dissertation, Essays on the Public Perception of Chinese Economic Activities in Africa, examines three interrelated questions:
How does exposure to Chinese greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects influence African public perceptions of China as a development model?
How does exposure to Chinese aid projects shape perceptions of the efficiency of Chinese aid?
How do competing foreign policy narratives affect public support in third countries—such as the United States—for closer engagement with Africa?
I argue that greater interaction with Chinese projects often reduces local citizens’ view of China as a viable development model and diminishes confidence in the effectiveness of Chinese aid. The sectoral focus of projects matters: for example, service-oriented FDI projects are more likely to lower perceptions of China’s development model. My research also underscores the diversity of African experiences and contexts.
Extending beyond Africa, I conducted a U.S.-based survey experiment showing that framing engagement with Africa in terms of “countering China” does not generate the public support policymakers often expect. Partisan divides are central: Democrats consistently support greater engagement with Africa, while Republicans are more resistant.
This dissertation contributes to a broader research agenda on how Global South countries perceive and cooperate with China in areas such as economic development and climate governance—and how the U.S. and other Western states respond to those dynamics when shaping foreign policy. For example, my co-authors and I are working on projects that examine China’s role in clean energy transitions in Nigeria and explore how middle powers, such as the UK and Australia, can strengthen ties with ASEAN countries through climate governance initiatives, even amid China’s growing regional presence.
I welcome feedback, collaborations, and conversations. Please feel free to reach out at parkeryz@mail.ubc.ca.