The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, under the theme \"Joining hands to advance modernization and build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.\"
China and Africa have nurtured a longstanding friendship, characterized by mutual respect, appreciation, and support. Their collaboration in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, and education has yielded undeniable results, significantly contributing to Africa's growth and modernization.
Despite these positive outcomes, some Western media and politicians persistently accuse China of creating debt traps, practicing neo-colonialism, and dumping excess capacity in Africa. However, a closer examination of these narratives reveals them to be unfounded and baseless.
Take the so-called debt trap narrative, for instance. According to the World Bank's International Debt Statistics, African nations owed $655.6 billion to external creditors in 2022. Of this, China's public lending accounted for less than 10 percent. In contrast, over 35 percent of the debt was owed to Western banks, asset managers, and oil traders, who charged twice as much interest on their loans. It is Western countries that have actually ensnared Africa in debt traps.
These former colonizers view China's rising strength and willingness to cooperate with African countries through a colonial mindset, clouding their perception with stereotypes and outdated notions.
In reality, China has been instrumental in Africa's development by building and renovating essential infrastructure such as railways, highways, bridges, dams, ports, schools, and hospitals. These projects have not only enhanced regional integration, trade, and industrialization but also improved the livelihoods of local communities. Since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, Chinese investments have facilitated the construction or upgrade of over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of highways, 1,000 bridges, 100 ports, and 66,000 kilometers of power transmission and distribution networks.
Moreover, China's investment initiatives in Africa address both immediate needs and long-term developmental challenges. In the healthcare sector, Chinese medical support has significantly increased access to medical care for Africans. Educational and technical training programs, including scholarships, Confucius Institutes, and Luban workshops, have bolstered human capital and supported Africa's journey toward modernization. Across the continent, China's engagement has demonstrated a commitment to partnership rather than neocolonialism.
The accusation that China is dumping its overcapacity in Africa is equally baseless. Most African countries require substantial investment in energy and the diversification of energy sources. Chinese investments help meet these needs effectively. A prime example is the Itimpi solar power station in Zambia, which, with an annual capacity of 130 GWh, supports Zambia's industries. During its construction, over 1,200 local workers were trained, enhancing the workforce’s skills for future energy projects.
In contrast to these positive contributions, Western companies have engaged in harmful practices. For example, the U.S. oil company Chevron has illegally disposed of hazardous oil waste in the ocean near Angola's northern coastline, endangering marine life and ecosystems.
Underlying the smearing campaign against China is the West's Cold War mentality and its attempt to conceal political greed in Africa. These attacks stem from growing anxiety about the West's own declining influence in the global system and an inability to accept China's rise and success.
China-Africa cooperation exemplifies a model of international relations based on equality and mutual benefit, showcasing a new approach to global partnerships rooted in respect and shared growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
