Is China Undermining Its Own Success in Africa?

The Diplomat published on 8 February 2019 a commentary titled "Is China Undermining Its Own Success in Africa?" by Brendon J. Cannon, Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi.

The author writes that the inevitability of Chinese power and durability in Africa is not only exaggerated, but increasingly questioned by Africans and their leaders. He identifies four problems of Chinese power projection in Africa: racism, debt, direct competition with locals, and labor relations. Taken together they represent a toxic stew that may soon bubble over and allow countries such as Japan to compete more effectively in Africa.

While the author rightfully warns against attributing too much influence to China in Africa, a common theme in today's journalistic accounts, he seems to overstate the impact of the negative factors facing China in Africa.