China starts exerting geopolitical clout in Africa
New Delhi, May 25
China's influence in Africa now goes beyond economic projects to exerting diplomatic and political pressure on governments to toe the Beijing line when it comes to relations with other countries, according to an article.
"China's influence on the continent is no longer defined solely by infrastructure projects, mining investments, or trade deals. China's growing leverage is now expressed through diplomatic pressure, political signalling, and the ability to shape what governments, organisations, and even international conferences can and cannot do," the article in The Interpreter stated.
It highlights China's "nasty criticism" of the landlocked African country of Eswatini for hosting Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te earlier this month, accusing the kingdom's leaders of being "kept and fed" by Taiwan.
Prior to this, China had reportedly prevailed on Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to revoke overflight permissions for President Lai's plane. Lai then changed his travel plan and arrived in Eswatini aboard King Mswati III's private aircraft.
"Eswatini matters precisely because it remains Taiwan's last diplomatic partner in Africa. Over the past decade, China has successfully persuaded several African states to sever ties with Taiwan, often alongside expanded economic engagement and infrastructure cooperation. Taiwan now has formal relations with only 12 countries worldwide," the article pointed out.
China's pressure campaign against Eswatini appears to extend beyond rhetoric. Earlier this month, China announced the expansion of its zero-tariff trade policy to every African country except Eswatini. It reinforced the message that access to Chinese markets and political goodwill remains tied to adherence to the country's "One China" policy, the article stated.
Earlier this year, in April, the world's largest digital rights conference, RightsCon, was abruptly postponed in Zambia amid allegations that Chinese pressure played a role in the decision. According to the event organisers, Zambian officials indicated that diplomats from China had objected to the participation of Taiwanese civil society representatives. Organisers were apparently told that Taiwanese participants would need to be excluded and certain topics moderated if the conference hoped to proceed as planned.
The significance of Zambia's RightsCon conference not only points to the alleged interference but also exposes the evolving nature of Chinese influence in Africa. The conference was not a Taiwan-focused event, and its agenda included discussions on digital governance, surveillance, censorship, cyber security, and internet freedom, including conversations about China's export of digital authoritarian practices and surveillance technologies, the article pointed out.
If the allegations are true, China's pressure was aimed not at formal state-to-state relations but at influencing civic and political space within an African nation. The implication is that China's leverage increasingly extends into questions of who gets access to international events, which ideas can be discussed, and which political representatives are allowed to attend, the article observed.
Economic concerns remain relevant as China continues to dominate trade relationships across large parts of Africa, and the imbalance remains substantial. Africa's trade deficit with China reportedly rose to approximately $102 billion last year.
But recent developments suggest China's influence is becoming more political, normative, and security-oriented. China is not merely building roads, railways, or telecommunications infrastructure; it is also shaping diplomatic behaviour and political incentives in ways that affect how African states engage internationally. Beijing has steadily expanded its security footprint through military training, peacekeeping deployments, and maritime cooperation.
China is now the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and maintains its first overseas military logistics base in Africa, in Djibouti, underscoring that its ambitions on the continent extend beyond economics alone, the article added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The RightsCon situation in Zambia is particularly alarming. China is now censoring digital rights conferences in other countries? That's a direct threat to free speech and democratic discourse everywhere. The "One China" policy shouldn't be used as a cudgel to silence legitimate discussions about technology and human rights.
As an Indian, I find it ironic that China criticizes Taiwan's diplomatic presence while they themselves have aggressive territorial claims. The double standards are glaring. That said, India should learn from China's playbook - they're giving Africa infrastructure AND political influence. We offer the latter but need to match their economic muscle.
The trade deficit numbers are staggering - $102 billion. That's not partnership, that's dependency. African nations need to diversify their economic relationships. China's zero-tariff policy excluding Eswatini is blatant coercion. Reminds me of how they treat border disputes with India - no room for genuine negotiation.
Interesting read but let's not pretend Western powers weren't doing the same thing for centuries. The difference is China is more efficient at it. India should focus on what we do best - education, healthcare, digital infrastructure - and build genuine trust with African nations. We don't need to copy China's coercive tactics.
China's military base in Djibouti and their UN peacekeeping contributions are concerning when combined with this political arm-twisting. The "digital authoritarianism" export is real - Africa deserves better than choosing between old colonial masters and new authoritarian patrons. India must present a third way: democratic development without strings attached. 🌍