China's Africa Strategy

In this episode of Pekingology, host Henrietta Levin interviews Cobus van Staden, a leading scholar of China-Africa relations, to unpack China's strategy in Africa. Cobus characterizes China's strategy as building a community of influence within the Global South, highlighting historical anti-colonial solidarities and China's ambition to be central in a network of developing countries. They discuss the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), African agency in setting agendas, and the tension between regional multilateral engagement and China's bilateral approach. The conversation further explores China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) development in Africa, the impact of China's evolving economy, and the role of Chinese diplomacy, particularly Wang Yi's, in strengthening partnerships. They also delve into China's relationship with South Africa, military ties, and the complexities surrounding Taiwan's representation.