China recalibrates ties with African nations amid rift with West: NYT
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China is recalibrating its approach by focusing on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than the large infrastructure projects it previously offered.
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A cameraman films African national flags on display at the media center during the opening ceremony of the China Africa Forum, in Beijing, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
China recently hosted a major summit in Beijing for leaders from over 50 African countries, marked by grand ceremonies and celebrations.
According to an analysis by the New York Times, the event serves to showcase China's efforts to position itself as a leader and ally of the developing world, offering an alternative to Western influence.
Eric Olander, the editor-in-chief of the China-Global South Project website, described the situation to NYT as China is "trying to take advantage of the space left by the US and Europe, which are increasingly disengaged with Africa."
"China sees an opportunity to really step up its engagement, and not necessarily just with money," he added.
During the summit, President Xi Jinping affirmed China's commitment to helping African nations modernize and criticized the Western approach for causing harm to developing countries.
"Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries," he told the gathering on Thursday. "But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries."
Read more: China hosts two dozen African leaders, marking largest summit in years
During the summit, Xi promoted "win-win cooperation," aiming to strengthen economic ties and expand China's influence in Africa amidst strained relations with the West.
China is recalibrating its approach by focusing on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than the large infrastructure projects it previously offered.
This shift is partly due to domestic economic challenges and global financial conditions, which have made large-scale loans less feasible.
China recalibrates its projects in Africa
China's engagement has not been without criticism. Some African leaders have expressed a desire for a more balanced trade relationship, urging China to purchase more finished goods from the continent to address trade imbalances.
Despite these challenges, China continues to reaffirm its commitment to Africa, using these triannual summits as a platform to pledge new initiatives and strengthen its diplomatic ties.
Moreover, the summit serves as a stage for China to secure support from African nations on international issues, including its stance on "Israel's" genocidal actions in Gaza.
Aligning itself with many African countries, China has criticized "Israel" and supported Palestinian statehood, further enhancing its role as a leader in the Global South.
Through these efforts, China seeks to deepen its influence in Africa and position itself as a key player in global geopolitics.
"China’s full embrace of the Palestinian cause has fully aligned it with almost the entire global south," Olander told NYT.
For many Africans, the war "closely resembles the colonial wars that ravaged their countries," he added.
Read more: UN chief calls for injustices faced by Africa to be corrected
