Economic dependency in China-Africa trade relations: a review of dependency theory and its implications for global environmental impacts a bibliometric analysis

Abstract This research examines the economic relationship between China and Africa through Dependency Theory with a focus on long-term development and environmental sustainability. Bibliometric analysis on Scopus data shows that Chinese trade and investment, especially in the extractive sector, increases structural dependency and environmental vulnerability in Africa. Data visualization through VOSviewer and RStudio reveals China’s dual identity as a global environmental polluter and partner. The findings highlight environmental degradation, carbon emissions, and green transition narratives. Despite the shift to a sustainable development discourse, incidents such as the toxic waste spill in Zambia demonstrate the risks of asymmetric partnerships. The research emphasizes the need for strong environmental and technological governance to prevent ecological damage and structural inequalities in China-Africa economic relations. A multidimensional approach is needed to build sustainable cooperation in the future. This research makes a novel contribution by using an integrative approach by combines dependency theory and bibliometric analysis of Scopus to explore trade relations between China and Africa from an economic and environmental perspective.