Between racialized and racializing: Chinese students’ dual experiences of racism in Tanzania

Abstract Research on racism towards international students has predominantly focused on the dichotomy between whites and “Others” (e.g., Black or Asian) in Western contexts. However, relatively few studies have examined these racial dynamics in non-Western settings, despite the growing complexity and diversity of international student mobility, particularly within the Global South. To address this gap, this qualitative study investigates the experiences of racism among 14 Chinese students in Tanzania, drawing on theoretical notions of neo-racism and racial triangulation. The findings reveal that these students are racialized by local Black communities, encountering various interwoven forms of racism. Simultaneously, as they resist racism through detachment and desensitization, they also engage in racializing local Black individuals, paradoxically reinforcing the very racial hierarchies that marginalize them. This dual and interconnected process—where students both experience and perpetuate racism—underscores the fluidity and complexity of racial dynamics within Sino-Tanzanian racialization. Furthermore, this study highlights that this Sino-Tanzanian racialization operates in a triangular rather than binary structure, with the whiteness serving as a constant point of reference. The racial dynamic underlying these interactions is profoundly shaped by white supremacy and become complicit with Western narratives of anti-Black and anti-Chinese sentiments. By moving beyond existing Western-centric discourses, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the intricate nature of racism in global higher education.