HISTORICAL ASPECT OF BILATERAL ECONOMIC AND MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN MALI AND CHINA
The article examines the history of diplomatic relations between Mali and the PRC (Public Republic of China). The history of cooperation between the two countries in the economic and military spheres is analyzed. Numerous projects in Mali in China are described, especially in the sectors of public infrastructure, construction of administrative buildings and commercial buildings, textile and pharmaceutical industries. China, in turn, expects to gain access to the sources of raw materials in Mali. Since Mali does not produce oil, it does not receive large investments, but the country is of interest to China as a market for its products and, possibly, as a potential source of gold production and its export to China. The influence of the PRC on the reforms of the armed forces in the 60s of XX century., participation of the PRC in the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA), military cooperation between the armed forces of Mali and the PRC is considered. Despite the lack of assistance in the supply of weapons, China has a positive impact on the security and well-being of Mali over the decades of cooperation between the two countries, providing assistance in the maintenance of armored vehicles, strengthening engineering and logistics capabilities, and training military personnel. The article describes the history of diplomatic relations between Mali and the China, analyzes the history of cooperation between two countries in the economic and military spheres, assesses its current state. The main purpose is to study the features of the establishment and development of bilateral economic and military cooperation between Mali and the PRC in historical retrospect. To study the history of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mali and the PRC, the development of their relations in the XX and XXI centuries in the economic and military spheres. Study the imports and exports volumes, foreign direct investment, the volume of material and financial aid from the PRC to Mali. Study the influence of the PRC on the reforms of the armed forces in the 60s of the XX century, participation of the PRC in the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA), academic cooperation between military academies and research institutes in Mali and the PRC. This article used system-descriptive, historical-chronological and comparative methods. Mali is of interest to the PRC primarily as a market for the export of its products, while the actions of the PRC indicate that China is establishing its position in Africa and ousting the former colonial powers. China is focused on the humanitarian dimension of aid to Mali and minimized military cooperation. Investment from China is beneficial for Mali and has a positive effect on Mali's citizens' general standard of living, but at the same time has led to a decrease in the number of citizens employed in the traditional sector of the economy. The PRC pursues a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of foreign countries, which has a positive effect on relations between Mali and China, ensuring the stability of their bilateral cooperation.