China Woos Africa, Casting Itself as Global South’s Defender,gives $50 Billion Pledge

 China has increasingly positioned itself as a key ally for African nations, framing its engagement as a commitment to the Global South. This strategic pivot is exemplified by China's pledge of $50 billion in aid and investment to Africa, which underscores its intention to bolster economic development on the continent while simultaneously expanding its geopolitical influence. By emphasizing shared experiences of colonialism and underdevelopment with African nations, China seeks to establish itself as a defender of the Global South against Western hegemony (Zhou & Osei-Tutu, 2023).

This financial commitment is significant not only in terms of monetary value but also in its potential implications for international relations. The investment is likely aimed at infrastructure projects, technological cooperation, and capacity building within African countries. Such initiatives resonate deeply with African leaders who are often faced with the challenge of securing sustainable development amidst limited resources. Furthermore, by providing an alternative to Western aid models that often come with stringent conditions, China enhances its appeal across the continent

The world's biggest two-way lender, Beijing showed a desire to move away from funding big-ticket infrastructure and focus instead on selling to developing economies the advanced and green technologies in which Chinese firms have invested heavily.

Flanked by African dignitaries seated on stage in the cavernous Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi said “China-Africa relations are at their best in history,” and vowed to elevate China’s bilateral relations with all African countries with which it has formal ties to the level of “strategic relations.”

Xi separately pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries, split evenly between military and food assistance. The announcements are a sign Beijing wants to demonstrate its commitment to the continent, despite a recent slowdown in its overseas development lendingand as Africa struggles with its foreign debt, including those owed to China.

The pledge of $140 million in military aid is the largest amount that China has earmarked for this purpose at the three-yearly Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, signaling the increasing importance of security in the relationship between Beijing and its partners in Africa. In 2018, China said it would provide $100 million to support the African Standby Force and African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, held this year in the Chinese capital, chalks out a three-year programme for China and every African state bar Eswatini, which retains ties to Taiwan.

Besides 30 infrastructure connectivity projects, Xi added, "China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa," offering to co-operate on nuclear technology and tackle a power deficit that has delayed industrialisation efforts.

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Sarah H

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