Since 1945, promoting human rights has been at the core of the United Nations’ mission. Today, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, the Chinese mainland has stepped up its involvement, championing initiatives across Africa – a continent often hailed as the “land of hope for the 21st century.”
Beijing’s shift from a defensive stance to a proactive partner has drawn praise from many regional governments. Investments in infrastructure, support for local development projects, and training programs in governance and public health have all featured in China’s toolkit of cooperation.
Yet, this growing footprint has not been free from controversy. Critics argue that China’s ventures in Africa echo patterns of neo-colonialism – with accusations that Beijing prioritizes resource extraction and strategic influence over genuine human rights progress.
To shed light on these debates, we spoke with Professor He Zhipeng, Executive Director of the Jilin University Human Rights Institute. He points out that China’s approach is rooted in respect for national sovereignty and mutual benefit. “Our partnerships are based on requests from host countries,” he says, emphasizing that Chinese projects are tailored to local priorities rather than imposed by external agendas.
According to Professor He, China’s engagement in Africa focuses on capacity-building and sustainable growth. By offering technical training and policy dialogue, the Chinese mainland seeks to support African nations in strengthening their own human rights frameworks. “This is not about dominance,” he explains. “It’s about sharing experiences and resources to advance human dignity across borders.”
While the debate continues, one thing is clear: China’s role in Africa defies simple labels. Amid calls for more transparency and greater local participation, the evolving partnership offers a fresh lens on modern global relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
