The China-Africa relation initiated a commitment to anti-colonialism and they both became largest trading partner. China made major investments and maintained a strategic trade partnership around the Global South.
Their cooperation before the 21st century evolved as political solidarity, unless Africa was not independent to trade and emerge. Back then China was emerging its economy instantly in the world, where Africa had been struggling to develop its strength through long-term enhancement. These acquired imbalance towards their relations, China had contributed to sustainable development, initially during when needed military support, China provided economic and military assistance to several African countries.
After the 21st century the relation between the countries became hugely participating in the improvement of Trade and Investment. Later, FOCAC (The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) benefited as the primary mechanism to coordinate their economic, political, and social agendas.
China-Africa Cooperation Summit 2024
The latest Cooperation Summit held and signed to improve the focus on rebalancing the trade bond to benefit more to restructure the growing awareness.
One of the mainstream issues mentioned by the president Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa is to modify the trade relationship from the trade deficit. Particularly to renovate the sustainable development goals, like solar farms and hydroelectricity dams to sustain the environment including the alignment of broader recognition to the economic growth.
The summit had an expanding collaboration as both countries have expressed their commitment to overhaul in this digital age, they discussed the introducing and much development in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy technologies.
Strategic Cooperation
China’s suggestion to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic cooperation by extending its major relationship with South African countries. Since the beginning China has been a large support for leading its concern about sustainability and equity of this trade relationship.
China has been a major investor in the infrastructure, including roads, railways, and energy projects. However, there has been a recent shift in China’s approach. President Xi Jinping has signaled a move towards “small but beautiful projects,” focusing more on sustainable investments like solar farms and hydroelectric dams rather than large-scale infrastructure.
South Africa, as a key member of the BRICS group, is seeking Chinese support to overcome its economic challenges, including persistent power cuts and infrastructure bottlenecks. President Ramaphosa has emphasized the need for sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments from China.
Primary Mechanism
Trade between the countries has grown exponentially over the past two decades, with China becoming Africa’s largest trading partner. However, this trade relationship has been characterized by a significant imbalance, with Africa primarily exporting raw materials to China while importing a wide range of manufactured goods.
These investments have been crucial in addressing infrastructure deficit and supporting economic growth, but they have also contributed to growing debt levels. The latest Cooperation Summit represents a critical juncture in a relationship that has spanned several decades and evolved from political solidarity to a comprehensive economic partnership.
As both the countries navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the summit highlights the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to cooperation, one that addresses the challenges of trade imbalances, debt sustainability, and the need for innovative, environmentally-friendly development.
In recent years, China has also played a crucial role as a major creditor to African nations, financing large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. As China continues to adjust its trade policies and lending practices, focusing more on sustainable development and smaller-scale projects, the future of China-Africa relations will likely hinge on addressing these economic challenges and ensuring mutual benefits for both regions.
