How African Countries Can Maximize China's Zero Tariff Policy

 Africa Business published on 13 April 2026 an article titled "China-Africa: The Removal of Tariffs Is Not Just a Trade Opportunity, but a Strategic Test for the Continent" by Cheikh Mbacke Sene.  

Commenting on China's new zero tariff policy for African states, the author suggests three scenarios as to how it may impact the trade relationship.  But to fully benefit from Beijing's policy, African states must invest in industrial transformation, improve their infrastructure, enhance production capacity, comply strictly with international standards, and identify market opportunities that anticipate Chinese demand.  

China Sees Global South as Target to Set Digital Standards

 The Atlantic Council published in August 2022 a study titled "Chinese Discourse Power: Aspirations, Realty, and Ambitions in the Digital Domain" by Kenton Thibaut.  

China believes that the United States currently dominates the international system, and sees growing Western opposition to China as evidence that the current world order is a threat to the continued security of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

For the CPC, gaining "discourse power" translates into increased geopolitical power by creating consensus around an alternative, China-led international order--one that privileges state sovereignty over civil liberties, and subordinates human rights to state security.  China has identified both the digital realm, for example the Digital Silk Road, and the Global South, including Africa, as prime areas of opportunity.