China’s growing ties with Africa

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The next day, on Tuesday, he was the guest of honor at a special session of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in dialogue with world political parties which was reported to draw attendance from around the world, and it was the second such meeting after the inaugural one was held in Beijing, China.

On the second event in Dar, the headlines focused on the long history of relations between Tanzania and China. President Magufuli argued at that event with its development (economic) theme paths “suitable to national situations”, for Africa to develop, among other things, it needed genuine development partners like China, true friends as it were, of the continent and its people. This too is nothing new from African political leaders and critics of the West’s engagement with Africa where they lament Africa’s treatement which they see it being equated to a constantly failing student who needs harsher measures and lecturers time and again to improve her performance. China treats African countries like “equals”, unlike Western powers whose approaches have failed to work and are seen as intrusive to the poor countries’ sovereignty.

With the Western alliance in a state of flux courtesy of Donald Trump, an increasingly assertive China’s foothold in Africa grows stronger. The unfortunate reality is that, Africa’s position whether marginalised or at the centre, other powers draw up the rules of the game. While it is true that China’s treatment of Africa is massively different from that of Western powers, it has its limits; the “don’ts” as it were like the status of Taiwan. No ambiguity can be tolerated on the matter. It is an easy trade-off. In a continent with a long tradition of non-interference in domestic affairs of other African countries, Africa as well understands China in ways that Western powers cannot. Each of these “equal” partners is careful not to step on any toes of the other dancing partner.

China’s growing ties with Africa

What you need to know:

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