Explained: China’s Relation with Africa

africa

Introduction

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, embarked on a diplomatic tour across four African nations—Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and the Ivory Coast.
Marking his 11th annual visit to Africa, Wang Yi’s trip aimed at bolstering economic and security cooperation, aligning with the outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue and setting the stage for the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024.

Implementation of Dialogue Outcomes: Execute initiatives from the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue, focusing on industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development support.
Peace Mediation in Gaza: In Egypt, Wang Yi expressed China’s global mediation intentions, urging an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza.

Roots in Cold War Era: Sino-African relations date back to the 1950s, with China supporting African liberation movements during the Cold War.
FOCAC Initiatives (2000): The first Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000 marked a shift towards diplomacy, investment, and trade, evolving into a robust partnership.
Belt and Road Initiative (2013): China’s Belt and Road Initiative strengthened ties with 52 African countries, making China Africa’s largest trading partner.

Resource Access: Securing key resources, with Africa supplying 90% of global cobalt, platinum, and 75% of coltan, crucial for China’s tech industry.
Geopolitical Influence: Leveraging Africa’s role as the largest bloc in the UN General Assembly to support China’s stances on issues like the South China Sea.
Yuan Strengthening: Encouraging Africa to trade in the Chinese currency (RMB) for economic advantages and debt restructuring.
Commercial Opportunities: Utilizing Africa’s markets for Chinese exports, benefiting from a young population and a cost-effective labor force.

Investment, Trade, and Development Aid: Africa receives vital investment, trade benefits, and development aid from China, fostering a ‘win-win partnership.’
Infrastructure Development: Chinese-built infrastructure and industrial parks contribute to employment opportunities, making ‘Made in Africa’ a reality.
Agricultural Advancements: Chinese support in advancing hybrid crops enhances Africa’s agricultural sector.
Non-Interference Approach: China’s non-interference policy in development aid garners trust, contrasting with Western practices and offering African nations autonomy.

Debt Trap Concerns: Some view Chinese investments as potentially leading to debt traps, although not all African nations have poorly managed their debt.
Authoritarian Leverage: China’s ‘non-interference’ stance may empower authoritarian regimes in Africa, raising concerns about governance and political stability.

Wang Yi’s African tour signifies China’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the continent, addressing mutual concerns, and laying the groundwork for collaborative ventures in the years to come.