Beijing, Sept 05 (Alliance News): Delegations from numerous African nations have gathered in Beijing for a three-day summit aimed at highlighting China’s role as a leading partner for the continent.
The event marks the first such high-level meeting in the Chinese capital since 2018 and arrives at a pivotal moment in Beijing’s relations with Africa.
The summit, featuring a grand reception for African leaders, underscores China’s attempt to reaffirm its commitment to the continent despite a slowdown in its development lending and increasing friction with Western nations.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other officials are expected to present a new vision of sustainable investments and enhanced collaboration in green technologies, reflecting China’s evolving strategy in Africa.
In recent decades, China’s extensive funding has driven significant infrastructure development across Africa, including highways, rail lines, and power plants.
However, this has led to criticism over unsustainable debt burdens in some African countries. With China’s own economic growth slowing, the focus is shifting towards “small yet beautiful” projects and more environmentally friendly initiatives.
The Forum on China and Africa Cooperation, a key platform for this summit, is an opportunity for China to demonstrate its support for the Global South and position itself as an alternative to US leadership.
However, African leaders are expected to raise critical questions about the current state of trade and investment, particularly concerning the imbalance in trade and the need for more equitable economic partnerships.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has already called for China to address trade imbalances and structural issues.
Many attendees from nations grappling with significant international debt are keen to see if China will fulfill its 2021 pledge to import $300 billion worth of African products by next year and to discuss ways to ensure that trade benefits both sides.
Chinese lending to Africa has significantly reduced in recent years, with government or state-linked borrowing falling sharply during the pandemic and showing only a modest recovery. This shift has led to increased scrutiny of China’s future role and commitments in Africa.
