The China in Africa Podcast

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.

For years, China has been seen as the pivotal international economic partner across Africa. That was certainly true in terms of steadily rising trade volumes and a fire hose of state backed loans that built roads, railways, and ports across the continent. But when it comes to investment, China's always been a laggard behind the United States and the former European colonial powers. Today, it's the UAE, not China, that is the continent's largest source of foreign direct investment. Charles Kenny, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, D.C., joins Eric to discuss his latest report on Chinese FDI in Africa and why the long-promised wave of manufacturing investment never materialized. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander  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

The podcast dives into the seismic shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Africa under Trump's administration, moving from humanitarian aid to commercial ties. It analyzes how this strategy aims to counter China's increasing influence on the continent. The discussion critiques the historical complexities African nations face when navigating these foreign relationships and highlights the weaknesses in U.S. diplomatic efforts. There's an exploration of the tech landscape, emphasizing the competitive dynamics between U.S. firms and China's presence in Africa.

Jérôme Nima, CGSP's Africa editor, and Obert Bore, critical minerals editor from Harare, delve into pressing issues surrounding mining in Africa. They discuss the skepticism over Zambia's cleanup of an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine, where government promises clash with activist concerns. Tensions are also rising in the DRC, with public disputes between mining giants highlighting deeper fractures in cobalt and copper sectors. The duo emphasizes the need for transparency and fair compensation amid geopolitical and corporate rivalries.

From Panama to Kenya to Indonesia, a growing number of developing countries are being pulled into the intensifying rivalry between China and the U.S. For these middle powers, the stakes are high as they must carefully navigate the tension to avoid provoking either side and risking serious consequences. But rather than accommodating the U.S. and China, developing countries should instead pursue a different agenda that puts their interests first. Jorge Heine, a former Chilean ambassador to China, South Africa, and India and now a research professor at Boston University, joins Eric & Cobus to talk about the latest edition of his book on active non-alignment that showcases the role of so-called "new neutrals." JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque 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

Njenga Hakeenah, CGSP's Nairobi-based climate editor and host of The Africa EV Show, delves into the electric vehicle revolution shaping Africa's transport landscape. He discusses how Chinese-made bikes, scooters, and cars are gaining traction in various countries. Njenga highlights Ethiopia's swift adoption and the financial benefits for consumers amid high fuel prices. He also addresses challenges like high tariffs and the innovative leasing models emerging in Kenya, showcasing the potential of e-mobility to transform underserved communities.

After several months of steadily improving ties, India-China relations appear to be cooling once again following the recent clashes in Kashmir. China’s military support for Pakistan during the conflict earlier this month has triggered fresh concerns in New Delhi, with many now fearing that the fragile détente built over the past year is starting to unravel. Tensions further escalated in recent days after Beijing announced new names for dozens of locations along the disputed border with India, drawing strong backlash from the Indian media. Meanwhile, the Indian government has banned several Chinese state-run media accounts on the social platform X. Joining Eric from New Delhi is Sushant Singh, a lecturer in South Asian Studies at Yale University, who breaks down the current state of Sino-Indian relations in the aftermath of the Kashmir conflict. Sushant also explains why observers should ignore India’s noisy mainstream media and instead pay close attention to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi does—or doesn’t—say about China. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander  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