China's ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac 2024) is underway in Beijing (4th - 6th September 2024), with over 50 African leaders attending to discuss enhancing China's influence in Africa amidst growing competition from the US and EU. African nations are seeking support for connectivity projects, green energy initiatives, and infrastructure, aligning with China's "Small and Beautiful" initiative, part of the broader Belt and Road project. Despite China's economic ties with Africa, including significant trade and loans, its involvement has decreased due to domestic economic challenges and geopolitical shifts, while the US, EU, and others have intensified their engagement.
China remains Africa's largest trading partner, but its scaled-back involvement since 2016 has led to concerns, particularly as many African countries struggle with debt repayment. Although China holds a relatively small portion of Africa's debt, its reluctance to provide debt relief has raised concerns, particularly as debt issues lead to cuts in essential services. Despite these challenges, China aims to regain its influence in Africa, competing with the US, EU, and even Russia, to maintain its strategic presence on the continent.
China's Belt and Road projects continue, with significant investments in infrastructure across Africa, such as Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway, Djibouti's naval base, and Mozambique's suspension bridge. However, some projects have stalled due to debt repayment issues, casting doubt on the sustainability of such large-scale investments. Additionally, there are concerns that Beijing's promises may not be fully realized, as past commitments, like the $300 billion import pledge from the last Focac summit, lack clear follow-through, leading to skepticism about the real impact on ordinary Africans.
Critics argue that China's actions in Africa resemble neo-colonial practices, drawing parallels with historical European colonization. While China supported African liberation movements in the past, its current economic strategies, often mirroring those of Western powers, raise questions about the true nature of its intentions in Africa. As Focac 2024 unfolds, the effectiveness and sincerity of China's commitments will be closely scrutinized, with the potential for the forum to either reinforce or diminish China's influence on the continent.
Source: Read the original article on: Radio France Internationale
Jeffrey D. Sachs: 