China-Africa relations at historic peak, Xi Jinping declares, amid Western debt trap criticism

China is enjoying its “best in history” ties with African nations, according to leader Xi Jinping, who on Thursday pledged $50 billion in financial support for the continent, in addition to military aid.

In a sweeping speech to delegates from more than 50 African nations, Xi called for China and Africa to unite their populations into a “powerful force” to write a “new chapter in peace, prosperity, and progress.” Addressing dignitaries in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi emphasized that “China-Africa relations are at their best in history” and vowed to elevate these ties to the level of “strategic relations.”

Xi also committed an additional $280 million in aid, divided equally between military and food assistance, signaling Beijing’s ongoing commitment to the continent despite a slowdown in its overseas development lending. The $140 million in military aid represents the largest amount China has allocated for this purpose at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), underscoring the growing importance of security in its relationship with African partners. In 2018, China provided $100 million to support the African Standby Force and the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis.

This year’s forum, attended by leaders such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenya’s William Ruto, and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, marks China’s largest diplomatic gathering in years. However, it comes amid questions about the future of China-Africa relations as Beijing recalibrates its extensive economic ties to the continent while other major powers ramp up their efforts to engage Africa.

China has reduced its big-ticket spending under Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, which previously funded projects like railways, roads, and power plants across Africa. This has led to criticism that China’s lending has contributed to the heavy international debt burdens now facing many African nations. Although Xi did not address these debt challenges directly, he made broad pledges to deepen cooperation with Africa in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment.

Xi’s promise of $50 billion in support over the next three years—comprising credit funds, assistance, and private investment from Chinese firms—surpasses the previous pledge of around $30 billion made during the 2021 forum in Dakar, Senegal. While lower than the $60 billion pledged in 2015 and 2018, this commitment signals China’s continued dedication to Africa.

During his 10-minute speech, Xi outlined 10 key areas for cooperation, including infrastructure connectivity, trade, security, and green development. He also pledged to create at least 1 million jobs in Africa.

Analysts note, however, that the alignment between Xi’s pledges and the expectations of visiting African leaders remains uncertain, and tracking the fulfillment of past commitments has proven challenging.

Following Xi’s address, African leaders also delivered remarks, with South Africa’s Ramaphosa praising China’s “solidarity” with the continent. He highlighted global challenges such as conflict, climate change, and the “global contestation for critical minerals” fueling geopolitical rivalry. “These challenges affect all nations but are more severely felt on the African continent. Yet amid these challenges, there is hope and opportunity,” Ramaphosa said.

Senegal’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall, speaking on the sidelines of the summit, emphasized the importance of the “quality of partnership between Africa and China,” noting that “Africans today are saying that China is on our side.”

The strategic relationship between China and Africa has taken on even greater significance for Beijing amid rising tensions with Washington. The US and Europe have also intensified their efforts to engage Africa, particularly in accessing its critical minerals, in what is widely seen as a bid to counter China’s influence on the continent.

In his address, Xi highlighted a shared political vision between China and Africa, emphasizing a “shared future,” a term that denotes alignment with China’s vision for a global order that contrasts with the one promoted by the US. He also referenced the “great suffering” of developing countries under the West’s historical modernization processes.

Analysts suggest that Beijing is keen to use this year’s forum to reaffirm its commitment to Africa, especially amid concerns about its role in contributing to the continent’s debt distress. Although China is not viewed as the primary cause of African debt issues—many countries owe substantial sums to multilateral banks and private lenders—its significant loans have exacerbated debt burdens, and Beijing has faced criticism for not acting quickly or flexibly enough to assist distressed nations.

With intensifying competition with the US, China recognizes the growing importance of its relationships with Global South nations, including those in Africa. “The choice of African countries in this great power competition is more important than ever because Africa is such a big block in the Global South,” said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center in Washington.

At a press conference later on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi acknowledged the increasing global interest in Africa. “As Africa’s good friend, China is happy for that. We also welcome more countries to support and assist Africa,” he said, adding that any “condescending approach” must be rejected.

Xi’s focus on security cooperation also highlights Beijing’s desire to expand its strategic partnership with Africa, which has become a key region for China’s military ambitions. The People’s Liberation Army opened its first and only overseas military base in Djibouti in 2017, and its navy regularly visits African ports, raising concerns in Washington about the possibility of China establishing an Atlantic base.

In addition to the $140 million in military aid, Xi pledged to train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 law enforcement officers and to establish a “partnership with Africa to implement the Global Security Initiative,” part of his broader vision to reshape global security architecture away from the US alliance-based system.

Security cooperation with Africa is also pragmatic for Beijing, as Chinese companies’ mining operations on the continent have been targets of criminal attacks. Xi referenced this in his speech, calling for China and Africa to “jointly maintain the safety of personnel and projects.”

While China plays a significant role in United Nations peacekeeping efforts, analysts note that it is less likely to involve itself directly in regional conflicts, preferring instead to focus on other forms of security collaboration.

“China is very proactive in understanding the mindset of the region,” said Ovigwe Eguegu, a Nigeria-based policy analyst at the consultancy Development Reimagined. He added that China recognizes “there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the current global security order.”

Credit: CNN