China, Ethiopia Pledge to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Is China's Africa partnership genuine solidarity, or a calculated strategy to control resources and sovereignty?

Published JAN 9

China, Ethiopia Pledge to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

story

Above: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives for a meeting with Ethiopia's Foreign Minister in Addis Ababa, on Jan. 3, 2019. Image credit: Michael Tewelde/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

China's deepening partnership with Africa represents genuine solidarity between Global South nations against Western hegemony and bullying. The elevation of strategic cooperation frameworks and massive infrastructure investments demonstrate China's commitment to mutual prosperity and African modernization without imposing colonial-style conditions. This people-centered approach respects African sovereignty and creates real jobs while Western powers continue exploiting the continent.

Chinadaily People's Daily

Anti-China narrative

China's expansion across Africa masks a calculated strategy to control critical minerals, establish military footholds and trap nations in predatory debt arrangements. Beijing's infrastructure investments serve dual military purposes while information operations spread communist propaganda throughout the continent. African countries must recognize this asymmetrical power relationship exploits their resources and sovereignty under the guise of partnership.

Guardian US Department of War FOX News