Sudan's Instability Threatens China's Belt and Road Interests

 Byline Times posted on 10 May 2023 a commentary titled "China's Belt and Road Power Grab Comes Under Pressure in Sudan" by Simon Speakman Cordall.

Sudan is demonstrating that instability represents one of the most serious challenges to China's interests in Africa.  Instability is contagious and rarely respects national borders.  

Russia-Africa Relations

 The Vivekananda International Foundation posted on 6 September 2022 a 20-minute podcast titled "Russia-Africa Relations" with Steven Gruzd, South African Institute of International Affairs.

Gruzd noted that Russia is not a significant investor in Africa but takes advantage of instability by offering the services of the Wagner Group private security company.  Russia is also a major player in niche markets such as nuclear power.  China and Russia are sometimes  rivals in Africa and sometimes collaborators.  This trend will likely continue with more collaboration going forward.   

Rocky Road Ahead for China-Africa Relationship?

This is Africa published on 16 July 2014 a brief analysis titled "Rocky Road Ahead for China-Africa Relationship?" by Kai Xue, a corporate lawyer in Beijing.  The author notes that China-Africa trade grew from a less than anticipated $198.5 billion in 2012 to $210.2 billion in 2013.  While lower prices for African minerals accounted for much of this lower growth, instability in areas where China has invested also raises new questions.  Kai Xue concludes that China and Africa are entering a "less energetic phase of growth due mainly to low mineral prices."