Why Africa Chose China and What USA Did

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift in the global power dynamics. China, once an isolated and underdeveloped nation, has emerged as a global superpower and a dominant player in international affairs. This rise of China has been particularly noticeable in Africa, where China has become an important economic partner, investing heavily in the continent's infrastructure and resources. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Africa chose China as its preferred partner and what USA did.

Why Africa Chose China As Its Preferred Partner

1. Economic Development

One of the primary reasons why Africa has chosen China as its preferred partner is the economic development that comes with the partnership. China's investments in Africa have led to the creation of new industries, the development of infrastructure such as roads and railways, and the establishment of new trade routes. These developments have led to job creation and economic growth, which has been critical for many African countries struggling with poverty and underdevelopment.

2. Resource Extraction

Africa is a rich source of natural resources such as oil, minerals, and timber. China's growing appetite for these resources has made it an attractive partner for African countries. China's investments in Africa have provided access to these resources, which have helped fuel China's own economic growth. In return, African countries have received much-needed investment in infrastructure and development projects.

3. Non-Interference Policy

Unlike many Western nations, China has a non-interference policy when it comes to the internal affairs of African countries. This has been particularly appealing to African leaders, who have often been critical of the West's perceived interference in their affairs. China's non-interference policy has allowed African countries to maintain their sovereignty while also benefiting from Chinese investment and development.

4. Shared History of Colonialism

China and Africa share a history of colonialism, which has created a sense of solidarity between the two regions. Many African countries see China as a partner that understands their struggle for independence and development. This shared history has helped to foster a strong relationship between China and Africa.

5. China's Soft Power Diplomacy

China has invested heavily in soft power diplomacy, which involves using culture, education, and diplomacy to win the hearts and minds of people in other countries. China's investments in Africa have included building cultural centers, funding scholarships for African students to study in China, and promoting Chinese language and culture. These initiatives have helped to build a positive image of China in Africa and have fostered goodwill between the two regions.

6. Competition with the West

China's partnership with Africa can also be seen as a response to Western dominance in the region. Many African countries have grown weary of the conditions attached to Western aid and investment, such as demands for political reform and human rights. China's non-interference policy and willingness to invest without preconditions have made it an attractive alternative to Western nations.

7. Mutual Benefit

Finally, Africa's choice of China as its preferred partner can be attributed to the mutual benefit that comes with the partnership. China's investments in Africa have provided access to resources and new markets, while also creating jobs and promoting economic growth. In return, African countries have provided China with access to valuable resources, as well as new markets for Chinese goods and services.

What USA Did

To understand what the US did in relation to Africa's choice of China as its preferred partner, we need to look at the historical context of US-Africa relations. During the Cold War, the US provided significant military and economic aid to African countries, often with the aim of countering Soviet influence in the region. However, after the Cold War ended, US engagement with Africa decreased, and many African countries felt neglected by the US.

In recent years, the US has made efforts to re-engage with Africa. In 2013, the US launched the "Power Africa" initiative, which aims to increase access to electricity across the continent. The US has also invested in health initiatives in Africa, such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has provided significant funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Africa.

However, the US has faced challenges in competing with China's growing presence in Africa. Unlike China, the US has been criticized for focusing too much on governance and human rights issues in its engagement with Africa, which has led some African countries to perceive the US as imposing its values and priorities on the continent. Additionally, the US has not provided the same level of investment and infrastructure development as China, which has made China a more attractive partner for many African countries.

In response to China's growing influence in Africa, the US has adopted a more competitive approach. In 2018, the US launched the "Prosper Africa" initiative, which aims to increase US investment in Africa and promote US business interests on the continent. The US has also been critical of China's approach to development in Africa, raising concerns about China's debt-trap diplomacy and environmental impact.

Overall, while the US has made efforts to engage with Africa, it has faced challenges in competing with China's growing presence in the region. The US has adopted a more competitive approach in recent years, but it remains to be seen how successful this strategy will be in countering China's influence in Africa.