The Washington Times published on 27 March 2019 an article titled "Mali Prime Minister Urges U.S. To Counter China's Growing Dollar Diplomacy in Africa" by Guy Taylor.
Malian Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga said in an interview in Washington that if the United States wants democracy to flourish in his country, then the Trump administration must encourage private investment from major American companies while tolerating the presence of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects already there. While the prime minister said Mali prefers U.S.-style democracy, his country's development needs are so great it would be foolhardy not to welcome any foreign investment it can get.
In other words, both the United States and China are welcome in Mali; it should not be a question of choosing one country over the other.
Showing posts with label One Belt One Road. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One Belt One Road. Show all posts
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Monday, January 7, 2019
Why Africa Loves China
Aljazeera published on 6 January 2019 a commentary titled "Why Africa Loves China" by Mehari Taddele Maru.
While the commentary contains a modicum of balance, it concludes that "China is already winning the hearts and the minds of Africans. The West will have to either change tact or forever play catch up."
The opinion piece contains some legitimate criticisms of widely held negative views in the West of China's policies in Africa, but errors by dismissing China's loans tied to Chinese companies, China's trade surpluses, its contribution to African debt, and its lack of support for the rule of law in Africa. And since when does one African speak for 1.2 billion Africans?
While the commentary contains a modicum of balance, it concludes that "China is already winning the hearts and the minds of Africans. The West will have to either change tact or forever play catch up."
The opinion piece contains some legitimate criticisms of widely held negative views in the West of China's policies in Africa, but errors by dismissing China's loans tied to Chinese companies, China's trade surpluses, its contribution to African debt, and its lack of support for the rule of law in Africa. And since when does one African speak for 1.2 billion Africans?
Friday, December 14, 2018
Trump Administration Announces New Africa Policy
National Security Advisor John Bolton announced the Trump administration's new Africa policy on 13 December 2018 at the conservative Heritage Foundation. He said the administration will begin executing the policy immediately.
The strategy addresses three core interests: First, it will advance U.S. trade and commercial ties. Second, it will counter the threat from "Radical Islamic Terrorism and violent conflict." Third, it will ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars for aid are used efficiently and effectively. In this connection, Bolton announced a new initiative called "Prosper Africa," which will support U.S. investment across the continent, grow Africa's middle class, and improve the overall business climate in the region.
Bolton's remarks included the sharpest criticism yet from any administration on the role being played in Africa by China and Russia.
The strategy addresses three core interests: First, it will advance U.S. trade and commercial ties. Second, it will counter the threat from "Radical Islamic Terrorism and violent conflict." Third, it will ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars for aid are used efficiently and effectively. In this connection, Bolton announced a new initiative called "Prosper Africa," which will support U.S. investment across the continent, grow Africa's middle class, and improve the overall business climate in the region.
Bolton's remarks included the sharpest criticism yet from any administration on the role being played in Africa by China and Russia.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Is China's Financing Good for Africa?
Kenya's Business Day published on 7 December 2018 a commentary titled "China's One Belt, One Road May Be a Dead End for African Countries" by Odongo Kodongo, University of Witwatersrand.
The author concludes that China's lending to Africa is not a force for good. He argues that the state-affiliated China Development Bank and China Exim Bank, the two largest lenders, do not disclose their loan terms; this lack of transparency makes it hard to determine China's true lending intentions. He adds that China has been accused of using development finance to access untapped natural resources, although China disputes the claim.
The author concludes that China's lending to Africa is not a force for good. He argues that the state-affiliated China Development Bank and China Exim Bank, the two largest lenders, do not disclose their loan terms; this lack of transparency makes it hard to determine China's true lending intentions. He adds that China has been accused of using development finance to access untapped natural resources, although China disputes the claim.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
The World According to China
The Diplomat published on 3 October 2018 an analysis titled "The World According to China" by Bradley A. Thayer, University of Texas at San Antonio, and John M. Friend, University of Hawaii.
The authors conclude that China is offering authoritarian values that are appealing to governments whose hold on power is threatened by U.S. principles such as the rule of law, free speech, democracy, and transparency and accountability in government. By 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, they predict Beijing will expect other countries to accept the new Chinese concept of global order.
The authors conclude that China is offering authoritarian values that are appealing to governments whose hold on power is threatened by U.S. principles such as the rule of law, free speech, democracy, and transparency and accountability in government. By 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, they predict Beijing will expect other countries to accept the new Chinese concept of global order.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
China's Communist Party Expands Influence in Africa
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies published on 30 August 2018 an analysis titled "Grand Strategy and China's Soft Power Push in Africa" by Paul Nantulya.
The author argues that the overwhelming goal of China's grand strategy is to restore itself as a great power. He then describes steps taken by China's Communist Party to extend its influence in Africa.
The author argues that the overwhelming goal of China's grand strategy is to restore itself as a great power. He then describes steps taken by China's Communist Party to extend its influence in Africa.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
China's Commercial Footprint in Africa
Standard Bank of South Africa published on 23 August 2018 an overview titled "Forum for China-Africa Cooperation: Africa Still Solidly in the Crosshairs of China Growth" by Jeremy Stevens.
The paper looks at China's economic engagement with Africa, especially investment and trade. It suggests that China's foreign direct investment in Africa remains small, averaging just over $2 billion annually during the last 15 years. It puts China's total investment stock in Africa at between $50 billion and $60 billion. The study says there may be significantly more--upwards of 30,000--Chinese companies, most of them small and private, in Africa than has been previously reported. It comments on Africa's growing trade deficit with China and predicts that about 30 percent of China's trade with Africa will be settled in renminbi by 2025.
The paper looks at China's economic engagement with Africa, especially investment and trade. It suggests that China's foreign direct investment in Africa remains small, averaging just over $2 billion annually during the last 15 years. It puts China's total investment stock in Africa at between $50 billion and $60 billion. The study says there may be significantly more--upwards of 30,000--Chinese companies, most of them small and private, in Africa than has been previously reported. It comments on Africa's growing trade deficit with China and predicts that about 30 percent of China's trade with Africa will be settled in renminbi by 2025.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
China's Maritime Silk Road and East Africa
China Brief published on 10 November 2017 an article titled "One Belt One Road and East Africa: Beyond Chinese Influence" by Cobus van Staden, South African academic and journalist.
The author comments that One Belt One Road was articulated as a series of interlinked regional integrations that ultimately translate into a link with Beijing. He added that while Africa has enthusiastically done business with China over the last two decades, misgivings about the power imbalance between China and Africa remain.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Challenges and Opportunities for Africa of China's Belt and Road Initiative
The Conversation published on 5 September 2017 a commentary titled "Why China's Audacious Building Plans Could Be a Major Strain on African Economies" by Ricardo Reboredo, Trinty College Dublin.
The author assesses the pluses and minuses of China's One Belt One Road project for Africa and looks especially at the prospect of unsustainable debt.
The author assesses the pluses and minuses of China's One Belt One Road project for Africa and looks especially at the prospect of unsustainable debt.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
China-India Competition in East Africa
The Christian Science Monitor published on 28 August 2017 an article titled "As China Ups Game in East Africa, India Tries to Guard 'Home Advantage'," by Rajiv Golla.
The article discusses engagement by China and India in East Africa, business competition and the desire by both countries to access oil and agricultural products.
The article discusses engagement by China and India in East Africa, business competition and the desire by both countries to access oil and agricultural products.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Analysis of China's Military Facility in Djibouti
CNA China Studies published in July 2017 a comprehensive report titled "China's Military Support Facility in Djibouti: Security Dimensions of China's First Overseas Base" by Erica Downs, Jeffrey Becker, and Patrick deGategno.
The study looks at the origins of China's military support facility in Djibouti. It explores the evolution of the economic and security relations between China and Djibouti that led to the establishment of the facility, how it may be used, and what it may tell us about future Chinese military facilities abroad. It also assesses the implications of the growing economic and military ties between China and Djibouti for the United States.
The study looks at the origins of China's military support facility in Djibouti. It explores the evolution of the economic and security relations between China and Djibouti that led to the establishment of the facility, how it may be used, and what it may tell us about future Chinese military facilities abroad. It also assesses the implications of the growing economic and military ties between China and Djibouti for the United States.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
China's Military Facility in Djibouti
The National published on 16 July 2017 an article titled "China Has Opened a Military Base in Djibouti. The Geopolitics of the Middle East Will Never Be the Same" by David Rothkopf, CEO of the Rothkopf Group.
The author argues that the future of China's naval power in the region will be guided by fairly narrow self interests.
The author argues that the future of China's naval power in the region will be guided by fairly narrow self interests.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Djibouti Plays the West against the East
The Institute for Security Studies published on 19 June 2017 a commentary titled "Djibouti Plays the West Off against the Far East" by Berouk Mesfin.
The commentary argues that Djibouti is successfully playing France and the U.S. against China as all three countries curry favor to take advantage of Djibouti's strategic location.
The commentary argues that Djibouti is successfully playing France and the U.S. against China as all three countries curry favor to take advantage of Djibouti's strategic location.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Kenya and One Belt One Road
World Politics Review published on 6 June 2017 an interview with James Shikwati, Kenyan economist, titled "In Kenya, 'One Belt, One Road' Is Changing Local Views of Chinese Investment."
The author argues that China's more multifaceted engagement with Kenya linked to One Belt One Road has improved the Kenya-China relationship.
The author argues that China's more multifaceted engagement with Kenya linked to One Belt One Road has improved the Kenya-China relationship.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Africa and One Belt One Road
The Conversation published on 28 May 2017 a commentary titled "Where Africa Fits into China's Massive Belt and Road Initiative" by Yu-Shan Wu, University of Witwatersrand, Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, University of Witwatersrand.
While China has encouraged the inclusion of African countries in the One Belt One Road initiative, it is not yet clear what impact the initiative will have on Africa.
While China has encouraged the inclusion of African countries in the One Belt One Road initiative, it is not yet clear what impact the initiative will have on Africa.
Monday, May 22, 2017
The African Link and China's One Belt One Road
The Centre for Chinese Studies published on 15 May 2017 a commentary titled "The African Link in China's OBOR Initiative" by Mandira Bagwandeen, independent researcher.
The author concludes that only African countries strategic to One Belt One Road (OBOR), especially those vital for establishing and securing trade links, will be prioritized by China. Northeast and East African countries imperative to the Maritime Silk Road are likely to benefit the most from OBOR.
The author concludes that only African countries strategic to One Belt One Road (OBOR), especially those vital for establishing and securing trade links, will be prioritized by China. Northeast and East African countries imperative to the Maritime Silk Road are likely to benefit the most from OBOR.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
China's One Belt One Road in Africa
The South China Morning Post published on 11 May 2017 an article titled "Can China Score a New Win in Africa with Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road' Plan?" by Shi Jiangtao.
Africa was a late arrival to Xi Jinping's One Belt One Road initiative. China has increasingly cited its ongoing infrastructure projects and other relationships to underscore the relevance of One Belt One Road in Africa, but some experts question whether China really has a development strategy to implement the initiative.
Africa was a late arrival to Xi Jinping's One Belt One Road initiative. China has increasingly cited its ongoing infrastructure projects and other relationships to underscore the relevance of One Belt One Road in Africa, but some experts question whether China really has a development strategy to implement the initiative.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
China: A Global Security Power?
World Politics Review published on 9 May 2017 an analysis titled "Does China Have What It Takes to Become a Global Security Power?" by Richard A. Bitzinger, Nanyang Technological University.
The author comments on the recent buildup of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and notes that it is in the Indian Ocean where China has established its first overseas base--Djibouti--and where its footprint has been most significant. At the same time, the PLAN is not a blue-water navy in the strictest sense. It has a long way to go before it can create a sustainable open-ocean power-projection capability and its footprint will likely remain confined to the Western Pacific and parts of the Indian Ocean region.
The author comments on the recent buildup of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and notes that it is in the Indian Ocean where China has established its first overseas base--Djibouti--and where its footprint has been most significant. At the same time, the PLAN is not a blue-water navy in the strictest sense. It has a long way to go before it can create a sustainable open-ocean power-projection capability and its footprint will likely remain confined to the Western Pacific and parts of the Indian Ocean region.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Djibouti: Silk Road International Bank (French and English)
The Oxford Business Group published on 26 April 2017 an article titled "Djibouti Moves to Increase Financial Inclusion."
The Silk Road International Bank (SIB) is owned by China's IZP Group, the Djiboutian government, and Silk Road E-Merchants. It has modest start up capital of $8 million. SIB is reportedly the first Chinese-funded lender to be granted a greenfield license in Africa.
The Silk Road International Bank (SIB) is owned by China's IZP Group, the Djiboutian government, and Silk Road E-Merchants. It has modest start up capital of $8 million. SIB is reportedly the first Chinese-funded lender to be granted a greenfield license in Africa.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
China and Madagascar: Bridge to Africa
World Politics Review published on 2 May 2017 an interview with Cornelia Tremann, an expert on Sino-Malagasy relations, titled "For 'One Belt, One Road,' China Casts Madagascar as a 'Bridge' to Africa."
Recent agreements between China and Madagascar dealing with energy, aviation, transportation, ports, and airport construction have led the author to argue that Madagascar is becoming central to China's One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road initiative.
Recent agreements between China and Madagascar dealing with energy, aviation, transportation, ports, and airport construction have led the author to argue that Madagascar is becoming central to China's One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road initiative.
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