China vs. West: Competing visions for Africa's future

The Responsible Statecraft article explores the evolving dynamics of China's influence in Africa and contrasts it with Western involvement.

As China's economic footprint in Africa grows, surpassing that of traditional Western powers, the article highlights a complex interplay of historical, economic, and political factors driving this engagement. China's recent investments and trade relations with African countries have outpaced those of Europe and the United States, raising concerns about exploitation, human rights abuses, and environmental neglect. However, the article notes that African civil society organizations find irony in these criticisms, pointing out that Western powers have historically engaged in similar exploitative practices.

The article traces the origins of Chinese interest in Africa back to the Cold War era. During the Bandung Conference of 1955, China emerged as a significant supporter of African decolonization and development. In the subsequent decades, China provided aid, low-interest loans, and technical assistance to various African nations. This early engagement was motivated by ideological solidarity and a desire to counter Western influence. However, with the end of the Cold War and China's economic transformation, its focus shifted from ideological support to economic and strategic interests.

By the early 2000s, China had become Africa's largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. This economic relationship has centred on accessing natural resources and expanding markets for Chinese goods, with a notable absence of the political and economic conditionalities often imposed by Western powers. This non-interference approach, while popular with African leaders, has drawn criticism for enabling corruption, exploitation, and environmental harm.

The article also details China's increasing political and military engagement in Africa. While initially adhering to a policy of non-interference, China has gradually expanded its role in peacekeeping and security operations to protect its economic interests. The establishment of a military base in Djibouti in 2017 symbolizes this shift towards a more assertive presence. This base not only supports anti-piracy operations but also safeguards critical trade routes and Chinese investments.

In comparing U.S. and Chinese global strategies, the article argues that while the U.S. decries Chinese imperialism, it maintains a vast network of military bases and has engaged in numerous foreign conflicts. The article suggests that true global security may require a departure from hegemonic ambitions and a focus on building cooperative alliances to address shared challenges.