Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently concluded his 11th annual visit to Africa from January 13-18, covering Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and the Ivory Coast. The visit aimed to strengthen economic and security ties, building on the outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue in August 2023. Wang Yi focused on implementing initiatives supporting Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development. This visit also serves as a precursor to the upcoming ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2024 (FOCAC).
Historical Roots
China’s historical connections with North-east Africa can be traced back to 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. The renowned Zheng He naval fleet marked China’s significant contact with Africa, reaching its north-east coast. However, this interaction was an anomaly in Chinese history, as the nation returned to its inward-looking approach afterward.
A hiatus in the China-Africa relationship lasted for centuries until the late 18th century when Chinese laborers and traders started arriving in various African regions. After Sun Yat Sen‘s rise to power in 1912, the Republic of China (ROC) established official relations with South Africa, home to the largest Chinese community on the continent. The Chinese community in South Africa supported the ROC during the Second Sino-Japanese War, fostering unity.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) faced slow development in relations with Africa due to Mao Zedong’s consolidation of power and the limited number of independent African nations in 1949. However, since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1947, Africa has played a crucial role in China’s foreign policy. China supported various African liberation movements during the Cold War, and its foreign ministers consistently initiated diplomatic visits to African countries.
China’s focus on Africa intensified in 1999 with the ‘Going Out’ strategy, encouraging Chinese companies to invest globally. The creation of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2003 marked a turning point, fostering improved cooperation. The 2013 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) further expanded China’s strategic initiative in Africa.
Transformative role of China in Africa
Until the late 1970s, China’s economic engagement with Africa was driven by ideological motives. Today, Chinese political leadership views economic relations with the continent as a strategic avenue for achieving national development goals. Over a few decades, China has transformed into Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner, lender, and a significant foreign investor.
Chinese companies, both private and state-owned, have permeated nearly all African markets, numbering over 1,000 entities, with approximately one million people of Chinese descent residing on the continent. This presence allows Chinese companies considerable operational freedom, backed by favorable investment terms.
Presently, China stands as Africa’s leading trading partner, importing over one-fourth of its raw materials. The Chinese presence in Africa has evolved beyond mere investment, with the People’s Liberation Army establishing its first international base in Djibouti. The strategic importance of Africa is evident, supplying 90% of the world’s cobalt and platinum, and 75% of coltan, essential for electronics.
China’s dominance in Africa’s mining sector has made the U.S. dependent on China for key minerals. Africa’s geopolitical significance is underscored by its largest bloc in the UN General Assembly, where it wields influence on contentious issues such as the South China Sea. Africa’s vocal support for China’s international stances, including the “One China” policy, contributes to their strategic alliance.
China’s encouragement of African nations to trade in the Yuan (RMB) is part of a larger strategy to strengthen its currency. Cross-border yuan-based “panda bonds” offer foreign governments funds from China at lower interest rates. Furthermore, Africa’s substantial imports from China, driven by its young population and affordable labor force, prove beneficial for the Chinese economy.
China’s investment in Africa involves trade, development aid, and foreign direct investment in exchange for natural resources. The “Made in Africa” concept has materialized through Chinese-built infrastructure, industrial parks, and support for agricultural advancement. Despite Western concerns about Chinese investments being predatory, the narrative of a Chinese debt trap cannot be entirely dismissed. Chinese non-interference policies in contrast to the West have given African countries the autonomy to secure their interests, though concerns persist about authoritarian regimes benefiting from this approach.
China’s Strategic and Military Interests in Africa
Economic globalization has allowed Chinese business interests to benefit from stable economic conditions and the prevention of conflicts. In 2008, Chinese warships arrived in the Indian Ocean to combat piracy, which had affected Chinese ships. Despite the decline in piracy by 2012, Chinese warships remained as part of China’s broader ambition to safeguard economic interests in the Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa. This expansion aligns with President Xi Jinping’s “Maritime Silk Road” project, emphasizing Chinese investment in ports.
China’s military involvement in Africa dates back to the 1970s, supporting guerrilla groups and providing weapons. Currently, China sells weapons, offers training, and maintains extensive contacts with African military leaders. In Djibouti, China inaugurated its first naval military base in 2017, emphasizing its commitment to protecting economic interests.
China’s military engagement in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa has grown significantly, contributing 15% of the UN budget in 2019. Bilateral agreements on arms deliveries and military support are widespread, showcasing China’s multifaceted military involvement on the continent.
The Horn of Africa, a crucial trade route, has seen increased militarization, with various countries, including China, expanding their military presence. China’s military presence in Djibouti serves multiple purposes, including counterterrorism efforts and protection against piracy.
China’s military involvement extends beyond physical presence, incorporating education of foreign officers through “military political work.” The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) engages in extensive military education programs, offering scholarships and training opportunities, solidifying China’s influence in the region. The PLA’s loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the party-army model present potential challenges, especially for African countries transitioning to democratic models.
Chinese Professional Military Education (PME) plays a significant role in shaping the strategic culture and values of African military officers. Despite positive reviews at lower levels, concerns exist regarding the strategic-level education compared to Western counterparts. However, China’s offering of more training opportunities makes it an attractive option for some African nations.
While Chinese PME is valued for its relevance to certain aspects, skepticism exists among civil society and democracy activists due to China’s closed political system. Incidents involving China’s military training programs contributing to regime protection have raised concerns about the influence of Chinese military engagement in African politics.
Conclusion
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to Africa underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing economic and security ties. This diplomatic effort, reflects China’s transformative role in becoming Africa’s largest trading partner and a key player in the continent’s economic development. As China consolidates its influence in Africa, the implications for both regions continue to unfold, setting the stage for the upcoming ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2024.
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