The Royal United Services Institute published on 3 August 2020 a commentary titled "China in Africa's Looking Glass: Perceptions and Realities" by Hangwei Li, University of London, and Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa, Hoja Law Group.
The authors argue that China needs Africa as much as Africa needs China, especially as China tries to increase its soft power globally. The bargaining power of African leaders is increasing as they seek to play a greater role in multilateral affairs without becoming a pawn in China-US disagreements.
