Thursday, December 13, 2018

US and China in Africa: The Debate in Washington Is Underway

Judd Devermont, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities on 12 December 2018. His remarks were titled "Implications of China's Presence and Investment in Africa."

As the Trump administration ramps up a new policy towards Africa that challenges African leaders to make a strategic choice between China and Russia or the United States, Devermont suggests a more nuanced policy. He states that while Chinese engagement in Africa undercuts and potentially degrades U.S. capacities and influence in sub-Saharan Africa, China is neither ten feet tall nor do all its activities harm U.S. interests in the region. It is important to draw a finer distinction between which Chinese activities threaten U.S. national security priorities and which Chinese engagements are neutral or complimentary to U.S. objectives. If we portray all Chinese endeavors as antithetical to U.S. goals, we will fail to develop and implement an effective policy response. His advice is well taken.