China in Africa – The Diplomat

Will China’s Private Security Companies Follow the Wagner Group’s Footsteps in Africa?

Jong Min Lee and Samuel Wittman — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 00:08:00 +0900

As the controversial Russian mercenary group is diverting its attention to Ukraine, China’s PSCs have a window to expand their engagement in African countries.

China-Gabon Relations Get an Upgrade

Yixin Yu — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:59:00 +0900

What are China’s interests in the Central African state, and vice versa?

China-Russia Cooperation in Africa and the Middle East

Mercy A. Kuo — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:31:00 +0900

Africa and the Middle East provide conducive conditions for China and Russia to advance their shared and separate agendas.

China Sends Military Drones to DRC Amid Fears of Regional War

Robert Bociaga — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:05:00 +0900

The DRC has purchased Chinese attack drones, raising concerns about China’s role in exacerbating the DRC-Rwanda conflict.

What Will African Leaders Seek to Gain From Welcoming China’s New Foreign Minister?

Yixin Yu and Charlie Zong — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:31:00 +0900

A look at the priorities the AU, Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin, and Egypt have for their relationships with China.

Countering China in Africa by Reaffirming US Tech Leadership

Sam Howell — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 21:02:00 +0900

To effectively mitigate the influence of Huawei and other Chinese tech giants in Africa, the U.S. must position itself as a willing and reliable alternative partner.

The Secrets of China’s Economic Statecraft in Africa

Anzetse Were — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:09:00 +0900

Beijing has succeeded by responding to African governments' precise needs, against a backdrop of lingering mistrust of the West.

Is Japan Beginning to Overtake China on Infrastructure Financing in Kenya?

Patrick Anam — Fri, 27 May 2022 19:24:00 +0900

A closer look at the trends and differences in Japanese vs. Chinese lending to Kenya.

African Opportunities in China-Africa Relations

Ndidi Akahara — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 02:19:00 +0900

African countries have the agency to use relations with China to their own advantage. Whether African leaders will use their power to benefit their people is another question.

China Is Manufacturing Vaccines in Africa. The Quad Should Too.

Veda Vaidyanathan — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:05:00 +0900

The implications of Beijing’s progression from donating vials of the vaccine to setting up production in the continent are hard to ignore, especially for the leaders of the Quad.

Does Guinea’s Coup Matter to China?

Ovigwe Eguegu — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:10:00 +0900

While its bauxite and iron ore deposits make Guinea important to China, context is everything.

The Somaliland Connection: Taiwan’s Return to Africa?

Jean-Pierre Cabestan — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 02:21:00 +0900

Taiwan's new representative office in Hargeisa not only gives Taipei another connection to the African continent, but also establishes a new model of relations that could be extended to other states.

China’s Presence in Africa Is at Heart Political

Thierry Pairault — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 03:13:00 +0900

Beijing’s outreach to Africa is largely driven by the desire for support on the international stage from the continent’s 54 countries.

Eswatini, Taiwan’s Last Partner in Africa

Carien du Plessis — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 03:16:00 +0900

The relationship hinges on proudly democratic Taiwan befriending an absolute monarch. Will pro-democracy protests spell the end of King Mswati’s rule – and relations with Taipei?

Do Chinese Infrastructure Loans Promote Business Startups in African Countries?

Jonathan Munemo — Fri, 28 May 2021 22:21:00 +0900

New research shows Chinese loans provide a significant boost to entrepreneurs in Africa.

Kidnappings Plague Chinese Worksites in Nigeria

Shannon Tiezzi — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:59:00 +0900

Two Chinese workers were abducted this week, at least the third such incident this year.

5 Reasons to Worry About the ‘Chinese Vaccine Diplomacy’ Narrative

Rosie Wigmore — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 22:05:00 +0900

The buzzword masks several misleading or harmful assumptions -- both about China and about recipient countries.

What Do the US and China Want From Africa?

Bob Wekesa — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 04:12:00 +0900

As the Biden administration starts a rumored review of U.S. Africa policy, the China factor will feature prominently.

African Perspectives on China

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:40:00 +0900

Abdul-Gafar Tobi Oshodi, Hannah Ryder, and Bob Wekesa discuss the many variations of African views on China, from pessimism to optimism and everything in between.

What Ethiopia’s Ethnic Unrest Means for China

Austin Bodetti — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 01:13:00 +0900

China's massive investments in Ethiopia give it a lot to lose amid renewed sectarian violence.

FOCAC Turns 20: Deborah Brautigam on China-Africa Relations

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 08:57:00 +0900

A look at the origins, goals, and continuing legacy of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China and Cameroon’s Evolving Political and Military Cooperation

R. Maxwell Bone — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 00:01:00 +0900

Since 1971, China-Cameroon ties have gone from largely symbolic to deep defense and political cooperation.

How China Lost Nigeria

Adagbo Onoja — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 20:25:00 +0900

Even as China built up its influence, it remained deeply vulnerable to negative counter-narratives from the United States. That’s the paradox of hegemony.

Taiwan Throws a Diplomatic Curveball by Establishing Ties With Somaliland

Nick Aspinwall — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 22:09:00 +0900

Taiwan’s decision to establish relations with the unrecognized state – with a probable eye on formalizing country-to-country ties – is an unusually audacious move.

Can Mozambique Learn to Love China?

Ari Rickman — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 06:54:00 +0900

China is attempting to build a soft power network across Africa. The experience of the Confucius Institute in Mozambique suggests the effort is only partially successful.

Pompeo’s Africa Trip Reinforces Message of Competition With China

Eleanor Albert — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 23:43:00 +0900

Increasingly, U.S. diplomacy around the world is being shaped by the perceived competition with China.

Through Eritrea, China Quietly Makes Inroads Near the Red Sea

Austin Bodetti — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 00:43:00 +0900

China is finding an eager partner in Eritrea, an autocratic state generally overlooked entirely by world powers.

China in Africa’s Peace and Security Landscape

Abdou Rahim Lema — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 22:15:00 +0900

China and many African countries have converging interests in ensuring a stable, secure, and peaceful Africa.

Sweet and Sour: China in Ghana

Joseph Hammond — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 23:14:00 +0900

China is building influence in the West African power, but illegal mining issues continue to plague ties.

US-China Spat Tips Kenya’s Index to a Decade Low

Tyler Roney — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 22:16:00 +0900

The U.S.-China trade spat puts more pressure on the China-Kenya economic relationship, already beset by BRI concerns.

The Evolution of Afro-Chinese Identity

Layne Vandenberg — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:24:00 +0900

Interracial relationships between Africans and Chinese are changing how Chinese identity is defined for their children.

How a Pay TV Company Is Serving up a Soft Power Win for China in Africa

Angela Lewis — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 23:59:00 +0900

StarTimes is making inroads across the continent, and winning fans in the process.

Is China Undermining Its Own Success in Africa?

Brendon J. Cannon — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 03:58:00 +0900

Negative interactions with Chinese companies and individuals are hurting the country’s image in many African countries.

Zambia Debates Chinese ‘Economic Slavery’

Bonnie Girard — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 23:22:00 +0900

The southern African country is seeing increasing backlash to China’s influence.

The Chinese Railways Remolding East Africa

Nicholas Muller — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:23:00 +0900

Chinese-financed transport infrastructure projects are fundamentally changing connectivity in East Africa.

Explaining China’s Latest Catch in Africa

Oana Burcu and Eloïse Bertrand — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 02:51:00 +0900

In Burkina Faso, peer pressure – not just checkbook diplomacy – helped motivate the switch from Taiwan.

Aiding Africa: If Not China, Then Who?

Grace Guo — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:22:00 +0900

An overemphasis on the challenges posed by Chinese aid to Africa can conceal the difficulty of providing credible alternatives.

Japan's Africa Outreach: Why China Should Pay Attention

Tridivesh Singh Maini — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:10:00 +0900

Japan has a long, albeit low-key, history of high-quality infrastructure projects in African countries.

Can China Bring Peace to Africa?

Semungus H. Gebrehiwot and Biruk M. Demissie — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 23:50:00 +0900

FOCAC is not all about economics. China is also making great contributions to peace and security on the continent.

Are Chinese Loans To Africa Good or Bad? That’s The Wrong Question.

Hannah Wanjie Ryder — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 23:08:00 +0900

The right question is what African leaders will do to demand what Africans need.

FOCAC 2018: Rebranding China in Africa

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 03:17:00 +0900

Slight shifts in focus reveal China's attempts to shed accusations of “neocolonialism” once and for all.

The Stumbling Block to China's Soft Power

Andrew McCormick — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:06:00 +0900

China's struggles with multiculturalism and race issues will hinder its soft power overseas.

Why the West Needs to Stop Complaining and Start Engaging China in Africa

Pippa Morgan — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 23:32:00 +0900

China is here to stay, and Western and African countries alike should make the most of it.

‘We Are Chinese’: How China Is Influencing Sierra Leone’s Presidential Election

Arran Elcoate — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 22:31:00 +0900

China is playing an unusually direct role in Sierra Leone's presidential campaign.

China's Medical Aid in Africa

Long Wang and Joshua Bateman — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 23:47:00 +0900

China is doing more than building roads in Africa. It's also curing patients.

Is China Inflicting a 'Century of Humiliation' on the World?

Ben Lowsen — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:40:00 +0900

China's questionable practices and laissez-faire attitude are buying it a reputation similar to the colonial powers that once tormented it.

If China Bugged the AU Headquarters, What African Countries Should Be Worried?

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 06:26:00 +0900

China fiercely denied reports that it spied on the African Union for five years after building its new headquarters.

Diamonds and the Crocodile: China’s Role in the Zimbabwe Coup

Vasabjit Banerjee and Timothy S. Rich — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 21:57:00 +0900

Tracking China's interests in the south African state.

Malawi-China Diplomatic Ties: 10 Years On

Raphael Mweninguwe — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 22:43:00 +0900

A decade after establishing relations with Beijing, has Lilongwe benefited as it had hoped?

China’s African Knot

Felipe Cruvinel — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 01:58:00 +0900

China’s involvement in Africa is changing from "business only" to include peacekeeping and other political interests.

This Is the Achilles’ Heel of China’s Soft Power Projection Towards Developing Countries

Patrik K. Meyer — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 03:24:00 +0900

China must make a concerted effort to equip Chinese citizens with the necessary sociocultural tools to build respectful and long-term people-to-people relations.

Why Chinese Infrastructure Loans in Africa Represent a Brand-New Type of Neocolonialism

Xiaochen Su — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:16:00 +0900

How will African countries repay massive debts to China?

Cabo Verde’s Gamble: Chinese Island-Building in the Atlantic

Roncevert Ganan Almond — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:17:00 +0900

A tiny nation rolls the dice on a big Chinese investment.

China in Africa: What's the Real Story?

Xie Tao — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 04:14:00 +0900

Perceptions of China's role on the continent depend on who's telling the stories.

Morocco: China's Gateway to Africa?

Joseph Hammond — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:48:00 +0900

Morocco is actively courting more Chinese investment and closer ties.

China Is Carelessly Losing Its Soft Power Battle, One Project at a Time

Patrik K. Meyer — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 01:42:00 +0900

The case of a Chinese flag flying over an Angolan construction site.

Cape Verde: A Blueprint for China's Positive Role in Africa

Pedro Ramos — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 23:40:00 +0900

Why is China so interested in one of Africa's smallest countries?

African Raw Materials and India’s Quest for Great Power Status

Khaled Almanzlawiy — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 23:56:00 +0900

Africa’s raw materials and markets will be indispensable for the realization of her geopolitical ambitions.

China’s Experiment in Djibouti

François Dubé — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 02:15:00 +0900

China’s role in Africa is changing from resource extractor to long-term strategic partner. Djibouti is a prime example.

Does China Have a Looming Africa Problem?

Porter Morgan and Jason Nicholson — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 01:34:00 +0900

Some of China's closest partners on the continent are now facing domestic instability.

Can Japan Challenge China in Africa?

Jonathan Connars — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 23:11:00 +0900

A recent meeting captures the ongoing rivalry between the two Asian giants playing out there.

Learning From China’s Foreign Aid Model

Ron Matthews, Xiaojuan Ping, and Li Ling — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 23:30:00 +0900

China's aid strategy contradicts the Western approach, but is arguably more effective in achieving development goals.

Is China Ready for a Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe?

Samuel Ramani — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 04:42:00 +0900

The strong relationship has soured in recent months thanks to controversial policies from Zimbabwe's leader.

China in Africa, Part III: The Ugly

David Volodzko — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 21:37:00 +0900

Untangling the diverse threads that make up the "China in Africa" narrative is a herculean task.

China in Africa, Part I: The Good

David Volodzko — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:26:00 +0900

A closer look at the fact and fiction surrounding China's involvement on the continent.

Why China's Djibouti Presence Matters

Johannes Feige — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 04:10:00 +0900

Beijing's growing role there has broader strategic implications.

Debunking the Myths of Chinese Investment in Africa

Jonathan Dove — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:17:00 +0900

Some of the assumptions about China’s presence in Africa appear unfounded.

Zimbabwe: China’s ‘All-Weather’ Friend in Africa

Samuel Ramani — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:28:00 +0900

While many worry about China's economy, Zimbabwe adopts the yuan as its international currency.

China-Mali Relations After the Bamako Attacks

Benjamin David Baker — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 23:48:00 +0900

Chinese companies have a surprisingly large stake in Mali. How could this relationship unfold in the future?

After Deadly Attack in Mali, How Will China Protect Its Citizens Abroad?

Benjamin David Baker — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 06:16:00 +0900

The al-Qaeda attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali’s capital left 3 Chinese citizens dead. How will Beijing react?

An 'African Lion' Economy Learns from the Asian Tigers

Benjamin David Baker and Jonathan Baker — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 04:23:00 +0900

Africa’s fastest growing economy takes a leaf out of South Korea and Taiwan’s book.

U.S. Asia Policy: The Africa-Asia Angle

Mercy A. Kuo and Angelica O. Tang — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:56:00 +0900

Insights from U.S. Ambassador Cameron Hume.

China: Embracing Africa, But Not Africans

Paul R. Burgman Jr. — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:56:00 +0900

The next step for Beijing in its Africa relations is better people-to-people relations.

China and India: A Balancing Act in Africa

Pushan Das — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 19:12:00 +0900

China and India have both committed troops to South Sudan—a symbol of the two countries’ intensifying stand-off.

South Africa and the Allure of Chinese Investment

Narayani Basu — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 23:09:00 +0900

Despite worries about his country’s dependence on Chinese largesse, Jacob Zuma signs some major deals on a recent visit.

India's Big African Opportunity

Tim Steinecke — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:38:00 +0900

The postponed India-Africa Forum Summit remains an important opportunity for both players.

China’s Emergency Relief to South Sudan

Zhou Hang — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 14:13:00 +0900

Beijing has been quietly ramping up its aid to the war-torn country.

How Much Can China Offer in Africa’s Ebola Crisis?

Yanzhong Huang — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 12:50:00 +0900

A lot, according to Chinese state media. The reality is more complicated.

China's Evolving Role in the Fight Against Ebola

Ankit Panda — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 18:19:00 +0900

Beijing's reaction to Africa's most serious public health crisis in years represents a shift in its humanitarian policy.

China’s Model for Africa

Sara Hsu — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:55:00 +0900

Western criticism of China’s approach to Africa is misplaced, but Beijing should place more emphasis on labor relations.

Can the US Woo Africa From China?

Ankit Panda and Zachary Keck — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 05:22:00 +0900

U.S. editors Ankit Panda and Zachary Keck discuss U.S.-China competition in Africa.

Can the US and China Cooperate on Development in Africa?

Ankit Panda — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 03:38:00 +0900

China has invited the United States to cooperate bilaterally on international development aid in Africa.

China and the US Compete for Influence in Africa

Lauren Dickey — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 22:48:00 +0900

The US has some catching up to do, and this week's U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is but a beginning.

World’s Largest Dam Requires US-China Cooperation

Clint Richards — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:39:00 +0900

Despite diverging spheres of influence, Inga-3 could actually draw the two powers together.

China and Tunisia: A Quiet Partnership

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 19:54:00 +0900

While Tunisia seeks more aid and development assistance, China could benefit from Tunisia’s strategic location.

Could China and Japan Work Together in East Africa?

Clint Richards — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:32:00 +0900

Despite troubled relations at home, the two countries have a shared interest in Africa.

Uganda Looks to China

Clint Richards — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:11:00 +0900

A new anti-gay law underscores the West’s declining influence, as Uganda pivots East.

China’s Bold $10 Billion Investment in Nigerian Hydrocarbons

John C.K. Daly — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 21:08:00 +0900

While Western energy firms are reluctant, China is investing big in Nigeria. Will it pay off?

China and Kenya Expand Cooperation With Railroad Project

Justin McDonnell — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 06:08:00 +0900

China’s Road and Bridge Corporation Center (CRBC) struck a deal with Kenya to launch a new and improved railway.

China’s Developing World Edge

Richard Ghiasy, Stephan Mothe, and Frances Pontemayor — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 19:28:00 +0900

The IMF and World Bank should take a leaf from China’s focus on developing world infrastructure.

The Great Potash Power Play

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 19:40:57 +0900

Critical to improving farm yields, potash is increasingly a strategic product for Asia’s largest economies.

China and Africa in the Xi Jinping Era

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:32:56 +0900

While China’s policy in Africa during the Xi Jinping era will look much like that of the Hu Jintao period, the challenges will be greater.