No Preaching and Other Tactics as China Woos African Leaders

China has rolled out the red carpet for over 50 African leaders in Beijing this week, hosting a summit aimed at deepening ties amidst global political and economic uncertainty. The event, marked by lavish receptions and performances by dancers in colorful costumes, is part of China’s strategy to make African leaders feel that they are meeting as equals. Kenya-based professor of international relations, Macharia Munene, explains that China’s approach appeals to the vanities of these leaders, enhancing the perception of mutual respect. High-profile leaders, such as South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya's President William Ruto, held one-on-one meetings with China's President Xi Jinping and were taken on tours of Beijing and other cities at the heart of China’s development. According to Prof. Munene, China aims to convey to African leaders that they share a common struggle against Western imperialism. Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, notes that Western powers and oil-rich Gulf states are vying to match China's growing influence in Africa, recognizing the continent’s potential. Cobus van Staden, co-founder of the China-Global South Project, adds that China emphasizes its status as a developing country to signal solidarity with Africa and the Global South, avoiding the conditionalities often associated with Western aid.

Over the last two decades, China's diplomatic efforts have paid off, with the country becoming Africa's largest trading partner. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a fifth of Africa’s exports, primarily metals, mineral products, and fuel, go to China, and these exports have quadrupled in value since 2001. China is also the largest source of imports for African countries, particularly manufactured goods and machinery. However, the trade balance heavily favors China, a point raised by President Ramaphosa in his meeting with President Xi. South Africa's president expressed a desire to narrow the trade deficit and restructure the trade relationship. In response, China showed willingness to support job creation in South Africa by promoting local employment through Chinese enterprises. Kenya, on the other hand, is seeking more credit despite its heavy debt burden, which consumes nearly two-thirds of its annual revenue. President Ruto hopes to secure funding for infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to connect Kenya's coast to Uganda, as well as roads, dams, a pharmaceutical park, and a technology-driven transport system for Nairobi. China had halted financing the controversial SGR four years ago, leaving the railway unfinished. As one of the major bilateral lenders to African countries, China has faced scrutiny for its deals, especially in light of recent debt distress in several African nations, including Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

Debt sustainability remains a key issue in China-Africa relations, and it is likely to be a significant topic at this summit as well. Paul Frimpong notes that the debt crisis underscores the need for African states to improve their economies and finances to reduce reliance on foreign powers. With the IMF predicting a slowdown in China’s economic growth, it recommends that African countries deepen regional economic integration and implement structural reforms to boost local revenue. Dr. Van Staden emphasizes that African leaders must look beyond the grandeur of these summits, assert their own terms, and set their own agendas to ensure that their nations benefit from these engagements.