Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: Intense US efforts are being made to resolve differences, such as the issue of the Israeli presence on Mount Hermon and in southern Syria
Israeli media: The security agreement means amending the disengagement agreement, which will also address the Druze issue
Israeli media: Attempts to reach a security agreement between 'Israel' and Syria were among the topics discussed at the Paris meeting
Israeli media: Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif rejected a US proposal to join the recent tripartite meeting between Tom Barrack, al-Shaibani, and Dermer
Saba News Agency: Two martyred, five injured in a preliminary toll of the Israeli aggression on the Yemeni Oil Company station on Al-Sitteen Street in Sanaa
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: We observed a state of confusion among the enemy's aircraft squadron after Yemeni air defenses intercepted the attack
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: The Yemeni air defense forces succeeded in neutralizing a squadron of enemy aircraft and prevented airstrikes on some governorates
Senior Yemeni military source to Al Mayadeen: Our air defenses and missile forces forced a formation of enemy aircraft to flee the airspace
Member of the Ansar Allah Political Bureau, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti: The Israeli aggression on Yemen will not deter us from continuing to support Gaza, no matter the sacrifices
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Israeli aggression targeted the Yemeni Oil Company station on Al-Sitteen Street, southwest of the capital, Sanaa, with several raids

'China overpowers US in Africa': Newsweek

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Newsweek
  • 11 Sep 2024 00:11
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

The director of the Africa Program at Chatham House suggests that US engagement with Africa would decline further if Donald Trump were re-elected as president, given his "American First" focus.

Listen
  • x
  • 'China overpowers US in Africa': Newsweek
    African leaders applaud Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, after his speech at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Pool Photo via AP)

During a summit held in Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion in financing to Africa, a move that coincides with US efforts to regain influence in the region, Newsweek reported.

The summit, part of the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), has been held every three years since 2000. Representatives from most of Africa's 53 nations attended, with the exception of Eswatini—formerly known as Swaziland—which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than China.

In recent years, large-scale Chinese-financed infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and ports, have been prevalent in many developing countries, including across Africa. These investments formed a cornerstone of Xi's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's flagship global development strategy, the news website mentioned.

However, according to Newsweek, the inability of many countries to repay their loans has led to accusations, particularly from Washington, that Beijing is allegedly engaging in "debt-trap" diplomacy. These criticisms have intensified as several African nations face mounting financial difficulties, as per the news website.

The restructuring or renegotiation of Chinese loans has become increasingly common, especially after the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries such as Zambia, Chad, and Ethiopia have sought debt relief, with Zambia defaulting on its loans in 2020 and undergoing a lengthy restructuring process.

By June 2023, Zambia had secured extensions on loan maturities through the G20 Common Framework but had not achieved reductions in the principal amounts owed, including to China.

In response to the debt crises and a cooling economy, China has adjusted its approach to international investments, particularly under the BRI. The initiative, once known for its massive loans for large infrastructure projects, now emphasizes smaller, targeted projects, which Chinese officials describe as "small but beautiful."

When asked how this shift aligns with the substantial financial commitments made to Africa, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated there is no contradiction.

Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa first surpassed that of the US in 2008, totaling just under $6 billion, according to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis and China's Ministry of Commerce. Since 2013, Chinese FDI has consistently exceeded US investments, with Chinese flows more than doubling those of the US between 2015 and 2022.

Related News

Merz eyes new alike-thinking trade partners over US tariffs

JD Vance says 'Russians have made significant concessions' to Trump

The Biden administration has made efforts to revitalize US investment in Africa since 2021, noted Alex Vines, director of the Africa Program at Chatham House.

Historically, US development aid has been focused on sectors like health, agriculture, and governance, the report recalled. Recently, however, the US has shifted its focus to infrastructure projects, such as the upgrade of the Lobito Corridor railway connecting Angola's Lobito Port with the city of Luau.

"There has been a re-curation of assets and increased footfall of U.S. officials in Africa, alongside initiatives like the Lobito Corridor," Vines pointed out.

Vines pointed out that US engagement with Africa has been hindered by the limited involvement of the American private sector outside of hydrocarbon investments and access to strategic minerals. This has given China and other competitors an advantage.

In contrast, China’s recent partnerships with Africa emphasize business cooperation, including trade, green development, and collaboration on industrial supply chains.

Vines also predicted that US engagement with Africa would decline further if Donald Trump were re-elected, given his "American First" focus on reducing trade deficits rather than promoting foreign investment and aid.

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2023, US exports to Africa totaled just under $29 billion, while imports exceeded $38 billion, resulting in a $10 billion trade deficit.

“This is not what many African states want,” Vines indicated, adding, "They increasingly seek multipolarity, including economic engagement from both China and the U.S."

The Newsweek report also cited a Pew Research Center poll conducted last year in Kenya and Nigeria, which found that 82% of Nigerians viewed Chinese investment positively, while 74% had a favorable view of US investment. Among Kenyans, 73% believed both countries’ investments were beneficial.

Read more: China to remove all foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing

  • United States
  • FOCAC
  • Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
  • US
  • China
  • Africa
  • Xi Jinping

Most Read

Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, executive director of the defense division of the Israeli National Cyber Directorate, undated (Social media)

Israeli-born US prosecutor drops Israeli officer child sex crime

  • Politics
  • 19 Aug 2025
Displaced Palestinians walk through a makeshift camp along the beach in Gaza City, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 (AP)

Hamas, other factions accept Egypt-Qatar ceasefire proposal: Exclusive

  • Politics
  • 18 Aug 2025
Palestine will not be liberated by UN reports, but by pursuing a different strategic horizon: one that does not beg for recognition. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

Economy of Genocide: Albanese's report accuses, but doesn't dismantle system

  • Opinion
  • 18 Aug 2025
Israeli soldiers stand on the top of armoured vehicles parked on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 (AP)

Palestinian fighters target Israeli soldiers, vehicles in Gaza

  • Politics
  • 21 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime minister's office in al-Quds, Occupied Palestine, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu deliberately derailing truce with Gaza occupation: Hamas

Irish President Michael Higgins arrives to deliver his speech during a 42nd World Food Day celebration at FAO headquarters in Rome, on Oct. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Politics

Irish president renews call for UN military intervention in Gaza

US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the US Embassy in Aukar, northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 21, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US envoy, Netanyahu discuss restraining attacks on Lebanon, withdrawal

Smoke billows following Israeli airstrikes in multiple areas in Sanaa, Yemen, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ansar Allah vow sustained Gaza support despite Israeli strikes

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS