In this insightful discussion, Veda Vaidyanathan, an expert on China-Africa relations, sheds light on India's ambitious critical minerals strategy aimed at fostering green energy. India seeks to establish partnerships with African nations, contrasting its approach with China's dominance in the sector. Vaidyanathan emphasizes the importance of local agency, skill development, and overcoming challenges posed by established players like China. The conversation also touches on India's rising role in cobalt and copper exploration while navigating the complex landscape of global geopolitics.

Khang Vu, a visiting scholar at Boston College and expert on Vietnamese politics, discusses contrasting strategies of Vietnam and the Philippines in dealing with China’s territorial claims. While the Philippines seeks U.S. support, Vietnam opts for a solo approach, even expanding its presence in the South China Sea through island reclamation. Vu highlights how these tactics reflect broader lessons on managing great power rivalries, emphasizing the complexities smaller nations face in navigating geopolitical dynamics.

In a deep dive into South Africa's trade landscape, Marvellous Ngundu, a research consultant at the Institute for Security Studies, reveals the stark realities behind the booming trade with China. Although trade soared past $52 billion, South Africa's trade deficit with China has ballooned to nearly $10 billion. Ngundu discusses the critical need for strategic policy changes to balance this relationship, emphasizing the importance of enhancing local production and maximizing Africa's resource value amid the growing influence of Chinese imports.

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese copper mine has devastated Zambia's Kafue River, threatening public health and local ecosystems. The discussion covers the political fallout and the essential role of accountability for mining companies. Additionally, a $1.4 billion Chinese investment to refurbish the TAZARA railway is analyzed, exploring its implications for regional logistics and U.S.-China relations. The complexities of cobalt and mineral resource management in the Democratic Republic of Congo also highlight the broader geopolitical chess game at play.

Gyude Moore, an expert on China-Africa relations and Liberia’s former minister of public works, shares insights on navigating a post-American world. He discusses the diminishing influence of the U.S. in Africa and emphasizes the rise of China. Moore highlights the urgent need for African countries to enhance manufacturing and trade capabilities, advocating for diversified global partnerships. He also addresses the challenges of USAID withdrawal on health systems, urging collaboration with entities like BRICS to confront urgent healthcare needs.

Marisa Lourenço, a political analyst based in Johannesburg, dives into the geopolitical tug-of-war over Southern Africa's resources. She discusses the strategic significance of the Lobito Corridor project and the rivalry between the U.S. and China. The podcast also highlights Zambia and the DRC's complex mineral agreements, detailing local refining initiatives and security concerns. Additionally, Lourenço examines South Africa's diplomatic relations, the influence of technology like Starlink, and the broader impact of foreign interests on African conflicts.

In recent years, the relationship between Chinese mining companies and local communities in many African countries has been very contentious over allegations of environmental damage, a lack of transparency, and tensions with local civil society groups. In Zimbabwe, a new initiative—the China-Africa Dialogue on Green Minerals for Responsible Investment (CADRI)—is taking a different approach. Rather than relying on confrontation, CADRI brings together civil society organizations, policymakers, and Chinese companies to push for greater accountability, transparency, and sustainable mining practices. This week, CGSP Africa Editor Géraud Neema speaks with Obert Bore, business and human rights program lead at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), to discuss why this initiative appears to be working and what other African countries can learn from Zimbabwe's experience. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth  

In this discussion, François Godement and Pierre Pinhas from Institut Montaigne unpack the geopolitical shifts stemming from recent U.S. policies. They examine the implications for China's global strategy, predicting four potential scenarios for 2035. Key topics include the shifting dynamics in West Africa with China's growing influence, Europe's identity crisis amid changing alliances, and the necessity for African nations to engage in strategic planning regarding China's role. The conversation highlights how these elements reshape global diplomacy and the balance of power.

Brooke Escobar and Katherine Walsh from AidData dive into China's commanding lead in the transition minerals trade. They discuss the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent cobalt export suspension and its global implications. The duo examines China's $57 billion investments across 19 countries, highlighting its strategic financing methods. They debunk myths surrounding Chinese mining practices in Africa and contrast China's aggressive loan strategies with the more restrained approaches of Western nations, revealing the complexities in the global mineral landscape.

John Lee, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Switzerland, delves into the transformative power of Chinese technology in the Global South. He discusses the launch of DeepSeek, a disruptive AI platform, and its implications for the global market. Lee explores how open-source AI can democratize technology access in less-developed nations. He also highlights the growing dominance of Chinese electric vehicles in Southeast Asia, examining competition for local manufacturers and the impact of advanced technologies on regional automotive landscapes.