The China in Africa Podcast

Over the past week, sharply contrasting images of Chinese engagement in Africa surfaced online. Anger erupted on social media over the release of yet another violent video that shows Congolese soldiers brutally beating local miners purportedly at the behest of Chinese nationals watching in the background. A controversial hour-long documentary by one of Zambia's leading newspapers also sparked a lot of discussion over the labor and environmental records of Chinese mining companies in the country. The Chinese embassy in Lusaka denounced the program as "biased" and containing "hidden motives." Meanwhile, in China, a 15-second teaser of a new blockbuster movie also dropped this week that looks like it's set in a fictitious North African country, while popular Chinese travel vlogger Zhang Jun released a visually stunning 2.5-hour-long documentary on the Congolese fashion scene known as "La Sape." Eric, Géraud & Cobus discuss these various clips and shows that emerged this week and what they reveal about the evolution of China-Africa media narratives. SHOW NOTES: Justicia ABSL: Violent beating of Congolese miners by FARDC soldiers News Diggers: China: The Good, the Bad and the Dangerous Movie Trailer: 用武之地/The Point of No Return The Fashion Bible: Congo’s “La Sape” Fashion Culture Through the Unlikely Lens of a Chinese Vlogger JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque | @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

A massive $100 million deal sees Sinohydro enhancing Angola's agricultural infrastructure to boost grain production, with 60% destined for China. This comes alongside Citic's $250 million contract to develop large-scale soybean and corn farms. The discussion delves into why these strategic moves are crucial for China as it seeks to reduce its reliance on U.S. imports. Insights into the broader implications for Africa's agricultural landscape and geopolitical tensions provide a compelling backdrop to the story.

Naa Adjekai Adjei, a recent PhD graduate and non-resident fellow at CGSP, dives into the complex dynamics of Chinese investment in Africa's energy sector. She discusses the surge in funding following the pandemic, highlighting how these investments are crucial in addressing energy shortages in sub-Saharan Africa. Adjei also clarifies misconceptions about the role of African governments in negotiating with Chinese entities and emphasizes the importance of capacity building in executing large infrastructure projects.

In this discussion, Anna Gelpern, a legal scholar at Georgetown University, and Brad Parks, director of AidData, dive deep into China's approach to securing loans to developing countries. They debunk the 'debt trap' narrative, revealing there's no evidence of China seizing assets due to unpaid debts. The two experts explore innovative collateral methods, such as future cash flows from infrastructure projects. They also analyze the complexities involved in loan agreements, using case studies from Kenya and Ghana to highlight transparency issues and ethical implications in international finance.

Solange Guo Chatelard is a research associate at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the executive director of the Chinese in Africa/Africans in China Research Network. She discusses the evolution of China-Africa research, highlighting how new scholars are integrating local narratives and challenging historical biases. Barriers like funding and institutional dominance remain significant. The conversation also explores the shift in educational perspectives among African students towards opportunities in China, emphasizing the need for 'China literacy' in addressing geopolitical complexities.

Poorva Karkare, a senior policy analyst focused on Africa's industrialization, and Karim Karaki, head of ECDPM's Economic Recovery team, discuss Europe's struggles in the critical minerals market. They emphasize the EU's need for a cohesive policy to foster partnerships in Africa, contrasting it with China’s successful model of combining mining with infrastructure development. The duo reveals the geopolitical stakes in the mineral sector, advocates for strategic collaboration rather than competition with China, and highlights the complexities of investment risks in Africa.

Riley Duke, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute and author of 'Peak Repayment,' dives into the staggering $35 billion in Chinese loans that African nations must repay this year. He uncovers the intense pressure on these governments, especially in the world’s poorest countries, as grace periods expire. Duke explores the dilemma faced by Chinese creditors, balancing the need to collect debts while avoiding default risks for vulnerable nations. The discussion reveals complex dynamics in Chinese lending practices and the broader implications of global debt crises.

Ahmed Aboudouh, head of the China Studies Research Unit at the Emirates Policy Center and an associate fellow at Chatham House, discusses China's precarious position after the Israel-Iran conflict. The war has revealed China's vulnerabilities, especially regarding its oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Aboudouh explains the shifting dynamics in China-Iran relations and the challenges Beijing faces in balancing its economic interests and energy security in a turbulent Middle East. He also highlights the implications for China's leadership role in the Global South.

Paul Nantulya, a veteran military analyst and research associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, dives into China's robust military engagement in Africa. He reveals that Chinese arms supply has surged, now equipping 70% of African militaries. Officer training programs have skyrocketed from under 200 to over 2,000 participants. Nantulya discusses the implications of China's security cooperation, the political alignment of African forces, and how these developments challenge traditional views of military influence on the continent.

Manjeet Kripalani, Executive Director of Gateway House, and Carlos Coelho, Professor at Pontifical Catholic University, explore how Middle Powers like India and Brazil navigate the U.S.–China rivalry. They discuss the diverging foreign policies of these nations and their focus on independent diplomatic strategies. Insights from a recent survey reveal contrasting views on global order and multilateral institutions. The conversation highlights the importance of economic outcomes over ideological alignments and the complexities faced by smaller nations in an increasingly multipolar world.