China Woos Africa, Casting Itself as Global South’s Defender
New York TimesSep 18
China Offers Africa $51B and 1M Jobs
Above: Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and leaders from African nations prepare to pose for a group photo prior to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at The Great Hall of People on September 5, 2024 in Beijing, China. Image copyright: Pool/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
During the China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) in Beijing on Thursday, Pres. Xi Jinping promised to invest $51B across the African continent over three years, claiming its investments would create 1M jobs.
The 2024 FOCAC, the ninth such gathering since its creation, is attended by more than 50 African heads of state, including many, such as presidents of South Africa and Kenya, speaking with Pres. Xi separately ahead of the event.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The problem with public criticism of China-Africa relations is that you never know which story was influenced by Western intelligence agencies. Whether you like China's investment strategy or not, it's important to know that the majority of African debt is from Western countries and private firms. Those interested in this issue shouldn't let the CIA sway their opinion on the matter.
Pro-establishment narrative
While China may not be the only player lending money to Africa, it certainly is the only one scheming to trap the continent in an unsustainable amount of debt. Contrary to the West, Beijing's loans contain hidden conditions that favor the PRC at the expense of already struggling nations. Why would the terms of this agreement be any different?