China in Africa: should the West be worried?
Summary
TLDRThe video explores China's expanding influence in Africa, driven by massive investments in infrastructure, military presence, and media. Through projects like the TAZARA Railway and telecom networks, China has deepened its ties with African nations, often leveraging debt to gain diplomatic and strategic advantages. Despite Western concerns about 'debt trap diplomacy' and China's growing power, the video argues that African leaders are active participants in these relationships, highlighting the need for the West to reassess its approach to Africa in light of China's engagement.
Takeaways
- đȘ China is strengthening its global superpower status through significant investments in African infrastructure.
- đ China's involvement in Africa began with the TAZARA Railway in the 1960s and has since expanded to thousands of projects.
- đ° China's financing of African infrastructure is substantial, totaling nearly $160 billion in loans since 2000.
- đ ïž African nations have become increasingly dependent on Chinese loans, which has led to concerns about debt-trap diplomacy.
- đ€ China has leveraged its financial influence to gain diplomatic support from African nations, including backing China's policies in international forums.
- đĄïž China's military presence in Africa has grown, with its first overseas base in Djibouti and potential expansion in Equatorial Guinea.
- đș Chinese companies are also increasing their influence in African media and telecommunications, raising concerns about potential censorship and control.
- đš There is local resistance in Africa to China's growing influence, as seen in Ghana with satirical art criticizing China's environmental and political impact.
- đ The secrecy surrounding the terms of China's loans and investments in Africa fuels suspicion and concerns among Western nations.
- đ The West is encouraged to reassess its approach to Africa, focusing on building stronger relationships rather than merely countering China's influence.
Q & A
What is the main focus of China's investments in Africa?
-China has been heavily investing in Africa's infrastructure, including railways, roads, hospitals, and telecom networks. These investments are aimed at building closer ties and increasing its influence on the continent.
How significant is China's financial involvement in Africa?
-Since 2000, African nations have borrowed nearly $160 billion from China. China has financed more African infrastructure projects than the next eight overseas lenders combined.
What concerns do China's rivals have regarding its influence in Africa?
-China's growing influence in Africa, through both soft and hard power investments, has alarmed its rivals, particularly the United States, which worries about China's strategic access and military advantage on the continent.
What is 'debt trap diplomacy,' and how is it associated with China's actions in Africa?
-'Debt trap diplomacy' refers to the idea that China lures African countries into debt through loans and then leverages that debt to gain control over critical infrastructure like ports and airports. This narrative, although controversial, suggests that China's influence in Africa could be used to advance its strategic interests.
How has China's influence affected African countries' positions in international diplomacy?
-China has leveraged its financial ties with African countries to gain diplomatic support. For example, in 2020, 53 countries, nearly half of them African, backed China's crackdown in Hong Kong.
What role does China play in Africa's military landscape?
-China has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti and has been arming various African nations with military equipment, including armoured personnel carriers and drones.
How is China's influence seen in African media and civil society?
-China's influence extends into African media, where it has investments and partnerships that may affect the coverage of China-related issues. There have been instances where criticism of China has been suppressed, and Chinese companies like StarTimes have gained significant control over Africa's digital airwaves.
What are some concerns related to China's involvement in Africa's telecommunications infrastructure?
-China's involvement in Africa's telecom sector, particularly through companies like Huawei, has raised concerns about potential espionage. There is fear that China might use its infrastructure to spy on African governments and, by extension, Western governments.
How do Africans perceive China's growing presence on the continent?
-Perceptions of China's presence vary. While 63% of Africans view it positively, there are concerns in countries like Ghana, where less than half see it favorably. Issues like illegal mining by Chinese nationals and political influence have contributed to mixed views.
What is the Western perspective on China's actions in Africa, and how should it change?
-Western concerns about China's influence in Africa are often driven by fears of losing strategic advantage. However, the script suggests that Western policymakers should reassess their approach, recognizing African agency and focusing on building genuine partnerships rather than viewing Africa solely as a battleground for influence.
Outlines
đ China's Expanding Influence in Africa
This paragraph discusses China's extensive investments in Africa, which have significantly transformed the continent's infrastructure. From building railways to hospitals, China has financed numerous projects, positioning itself as a key partner to African nations. The text highlights how these investments have bolstered China's influence, raising concerns among Western rivals about China's growing political and military foothold in the region.
đ° China's Military and Media Influence in Africa
This section details China's growing military presence in Africa, starting with its first overseas military base in Djibouti and plans for further expansion. It also examines China's influence in African media, particularly through companies like StarTimes, which control significant portions of the continent's digital airwaves. The paragraph underscores how China's involvement in African civil society is perceived as both beneficial and concerning, with some Africans viewing it as positive while others are wary of its implications for democracy and freedom of speech.
đĄ China's Technological and Strategic Expansion in Africa
This paragraph focuses on China's role in developing Africa's digital infrastructure, notably through companies like Huawei and Transsion. China's involvement in building the continent's 4G networks and undersea cables raises concerns about potential espionage. Despite these fears, China's influence continues to grow due to the lack of competitive alternatives. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing that China's early investments in Africa have established deep roots, ensuring its ongoing influence in the region's politics and society.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄInfrastructure
đĄDebt-trap diplomacy
đĄSoft power
đĄMilitary base
đĄTAZARA Railway
đĄVoting bloc
đĄGalamsey
đĄMedia influence
đĄHuawei
đĄColonialism
Highlights
China is spending billions to transform Africaâs infrastructure, enhancing its influence across the continent.
The TAZARA Railway, funded by China in the 1960s, was a pivotal project that boosted Chinaâs image and influence in Africa.
By 2022, China had financed more African infrastructure than the next eight overseas lenders combined, including roads, hospitals, and dams.
African nations have borrowed almost $160 billion from China since 2000, often tied to state-owned Chinese banks.
China has used its financial influence to gain diplomatic support from African nations, such as backing its stance on Hong Kong in 2020.
Concerns about âdebt trap diplomacyâ are prevalent, although evidence suggests this narrative is driven by suspicion rather than facts.
China plays hardball with loan repayments, as seen with Ugandaâs Entebbe airport revenues and Angolaâs oil guarantees.
Chinaâs first overseas military base in Djibouti reflects its growing military presence in Africa, with plans for expansion.
China is the leading supplier of military equipment to sub-Saharan Africa, including armoured vehicles and drones.
China's presence in African civil society is growing, with mixed perceptions among the local population.
Chinese influence in African media has raised concerns, with instances of press suppression and content control linked to Chinese interests.
StarTimes, a Chinese digital TV operator, is expanding rapidly in Africa, raising concerns about media control and influence.
Chinese tech companies like Huawei and Transsion are dominating Africaâs digital infrastructure, despite concerns about potential espionage.
Western critics often overlook the agency of African leaders and citizens in choosing Chinese partnerships over Western ones.
The growing Chinese influence in Africa highlights the need for Western nations to reassess their own relationships with the continent.
Transcripts
China is flexing its muscles as a global superpower...
...and not just where you might expect it
Itâs been spending billions of dollars...
...transforming the infrastructure of an entire continent...
...building ever closer bonds
Everybody in the equation wins, Zambia wins, China wins
China has even placed its only overseas military base...
...in Africa
That gain in influence has alarmed Chinaâs rivals
Our competitors clearly seek...
...to convert soft- and hard-power investments into political influence...
...strategic access and military advantage
Just how worried should America and its allies be?
In the 1960s, Zambians were celebrating independence from the British
It was a time of hope and freedom
To open up trade routes, they had to build a new railway line
It was a monumental infrastructure project: the TAZARA Railway
And it was funded by China
It was the most expensive...
...infrastructure financing project that the Chinese had ever done
It was a boost for Chinaâs image and influence on the continent
In the perception of developing countries...
...and countries that were coming out of the colonial experience...
...China was seen as a partner to work with in instances...
...where the West wasnât interested
TAZARA was only the beginning
By 2022, China had helped lay around 6,000km of railway lines across the continent...
...amongst thousands of other urgently needed infrastructure projects
It has built roads in Mozambique...
...hospitals in the Republic of Congo...
...a dam in Sudan
Since 2007, China has financed more African infrastructure...
...than the next eight overseas lenders combined
But all that investment comes at a price
Much of it is financed by loans
African nationsâ total borrowing from China since 2000 is almost $160bn
Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya account for half of that borrowing...
...though all but a few countries owe something to China...
...and much of it to state-owned Chinese banks
And thereâs more than one way to call in a debt
Africa is a voting bloc of over 50 countries of the United Nations
That is a significant bloc...
...and the Chinese have exploited this
Theyâve used this to their advantage as best as possible
In recent years African nations have regularly backed China en masse
In 2020, 53 countries issued a statement supporting Chinaâs crackdown in Hong Kong
Almost half of them were African
Some believe this diplomatic support is driven by the debt these countries owe China...
...and the supposed control this gives it
They have lured African countries into what we call debt trap diplomacy
China has extended leases on critical infrastructure like ports and airports
You have to imagine that if you were a Chinese rival...
...and China was going around the world and getting a significant boost to its influence...
...by providing infrastructure
This narrative that China was actually trying to entrap...
...its partners was a very, very attractive one
Itâs a view fuelled not by factsâbut suspicion
The terms of many of Chinaâs loans to African nations are shrouded in secrecy
China doesnât produce reports and documents on how much money itâs lending...
...where the money is going
That kind of transparency is not characteristic of the Chinese system
In the rare cases where researchers have been able to uncover information...
...itâs clear China plays hardball
All revenues from the Entebbe airport in Uganda, for example...
...are used to pay the Chinese lender who helped build it before anyone else
Angola is repaying most of its loans by guaranteeing oil
In 2020, 61% of its oil exports went to China
Whilst China has never tried to use its loans to take control of the infrastructure itâs built...
...it is strict about being repaid in full
Some Western institutions, by contrast, tend to be a little more accommodating
There are more conspicuous signs of Chinaâs growing power on the continent
In 2017, China established its first overseas military base...
...in Djibouti
Staffed by over a thousand personnel, it looks like a direct counter...
...to the presence of America and its allies just a few miles away
And itâs looking to expand
US intelligence agencies believe China wants to build a new base...
...on the other side of the continentâin Equatorial Guinea
China has been arming the continent too
From armoured personnel carriers in the Central African Republic...
...to, it appears, drones in Ethiopia
China is selling military equipment to more sub-Saharan African countries...
...than anyone else
Chinaâs presence in African civil society also continues to grow
And with that presence comes growing influence
63% of Africans think that this is positive
In Ghana, less than half do
My name is Bright Ackwerh and Iâm an artist...
...and Iâm basically having an exhibition on the streets of Accra
I put these posters up about a month ago
In Ghana, there are claims that Chinaâs political influence...
...keeps anti-Chinese news stories out of the spotlight
Bright makes satirical cartoonsâand displays them where everyone can see
We selected this particular site because itâs a very, very popular space
And so visibility is very, very high
Brightâs story starts in 2016
Back then, there was outrage in Ghana against Chinese migrants...
...who were illegally mining gold, a practice known as galamsey
The mining has severely polluted water supplies...
...but the Ghanian government was doing little to stop them
Currently look at where Iâm standing
The land has been destroyed
All in the name of gold
As an artist, I thought I could use my voice to speak to the issue
He made this piece
You see the Ghanaian delegation on their knees...
...and the Chinese president pouring out some dirty water to them
I put this painting up on my social media channels...
...and someone from the Chinese embassy saw it...
...and a press conference was held and the Chinese diplomats in the press conference...
...tried to impress on the Ghanaian government to check, literally check the media...
...and check the artworks they claimed was defaming their leaders
Itâs not the only example of China exploiting its connections in an attempt to limit criticism
In 2018, a South African journalist had his column taken away...
...after writing about Chinaâs treatment of the Uyghurs
A Chinese company had a 20% stake in the publisher he worked for
Its name? Independent Media
The style of reporting has definitely changed
And a lot of these stories...
...I donât think they make it to the mass consciousness anymore
Now China is making bolder moves on the African media landscape
Fellow Ghanians my name is Poppa StarTimes
StarTimes, enjoy digital life
StarTimes, a Chinese digital TVÂ operator, has an ambitious vision...
...to give millions of Africans access to satellite television...
...distributing its hardware across the continent
This deal has been one of the very, very controversial ones...
...especially regarding how much influence StarTimes is going to have...
...with regards to what is seen, what is not seen on our TVs...
...and how much that goes on to dictate how people largely see the Chinese here
I think itâs an issue that borders on our democracy...
...and perhaps even our security as a country
In just over a decade, StarTimes has become one of the leading digital TV operators...
...on the continent...
...with 27m online users
Its service carries hundreds of African channels...
...affording it increasing control of the digital airwaves
While StarTimes develops Africaâs broadcast infrastructure...
...another Chinese company is transforming its telecoms...
...although perhaps not its advertising
Thanks
Africans have largely welcomed Huawei...
...and its development of the continentâs 4G internet network
As far as China is concerned...
...what we saw for mining companies...
...what we saw for construction companies, weâre seeing the exact same thing...
...now for tech
Financing undersea cables for digital infrastructure
Transsion has the largest share of any phone manufacturer in Africa
Thereâs the fear that the Chinese...
...might use the construction of the telecom systems to spy on African governments...
...and as an extension spy on Western governments...
...that are doing business with African governments
I think that concern is legitimate
But I think in a place where the options arenât as many or as price-competitive...
...I think the Chinese will continue to play a very big role
The seeds China planted in Africa decades ago have spread deep roots
Today, Chinese lending may be slowing...
...but its power and influence over society and politics on the continent...
...will continue to grow
Western concerns are inevitableâand understandable
But all too frequently, Western policymakers forget that African leaders...
...and people arenât just bystanders
This idea that Africans are sort of bamboozled and sort of tricked...
...into accepting a deal that is actually not working for them...
...infantilises Africans and somehow they need Westerners...
...to come and defend them from the shifty and tricky Chinese
Rather than worrying about what China is up to in Africa...
...perhaps Western governments should spend more of their time...
...thinking about their own relationships...
...on the vast and vital continent
There has to be a reassessment...
...of how the West sees Africa and Africaâs place in the world
Because as far as the Chinese are concerned...
...they think Africa is going to play an important role in the world...
...and they should be active in Africa
One hopes that the West...
...can adopt the same attitude and not simply pay attention to Africa...
...because it is a target of Chinese influence
Hi, Iâm Gady Epstein, journalist at The Economist
My colleague John McDermott and I recently wrote a special report on China in Africa
You can read that by clicking the link and donât forget to subscribe
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