China’s impact in Africa has expanded beyond economic projects to include diplomatic and political coercion on governments, as per a report. The article notes that China’s sway in Africa now involves exerting pressure diplomatically, politically, and influencing the decisions of governments and organizations. Recently, China criticized Eswatini for hosting Taiwan’s President, showcasing its ability to shape international relations.
China’s influence on the continent is no longer limited to infrastructure and trade deals but extends to diplomatic maneuvers and political signaling. This was evident when China pressured Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to deny overflight permissions for Taiwan’s President, leading to a change in travel plans. Eswatini, Taiwan’s last diplomatic partner in Africa, has faced China’s pressure campaign, affecting its trade relations with China.
The article highlights China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan by persuading African nations to sever ties with Taiwan, leaving Taiwan with only 12 formal diplomatic partners globally. China’s strategy includes linking access to its markets and goodwill to adherence to the “One China” policy. The recent expansion of China’s zero-tariff trade policy to all African countries except Eswatini underscores this approach.
China’s influence in Africa has also impacted international events, as seen in the postponement of Zambia’s RightsCon conference due to alleged Chinese pressure. The conference’s agenda, covering digital governance and internet freedom, faced interference over the participation of Taiwanese representatives. This incident reveals China’s evolving influence in Africa beyond economic ties to shaping political and civic spaces.
The evolving nature of China’s influence in Africa is not solely economic but also political and security-focused. China’s presence in Africa goes beyond infrastructure projects to include military training, peacekeeping missions, and maritime cooperation. With China being a significant player in UN peacekeeping operations and maintaining a military logistics base in Djibouti, its ambitions in Africa encompass political and security dimensions.
