MAGAZINE
FALL 2021
than report and cover local matters for local citizens . Consequently , Chinese media reception and coverage are reported to be substantially limited compared to those of American , British and French media . Currently , despite rising concerns on becoming too dependent on China , and the negative impact of Chinese investments in society and environment , China is still perceived as “ the second best model for development " after the U . S . in Africa .
• China ’ s main desired end state has been to enhance its image worldwide and spread the “ Chinese way of development ” model across developing countries . In doing so , China has been investing on media capabilities to develop Chinese soft power and counter rising anti-Chinese sentiment across the African Continent . China , in order to achieve those objectives , is establishing media outlets , promoting African students to study in China and contributing to U . N . missions in Africa .
Economic
• China ’ s economic sphere in Africa has two desired main objectives : 1 ) to diversify and increase trade and 2 ) to diversify hydrocarbon imports and have access to critical natural resources . The core objective for China therefore is to maximize return on investments in Africa , which in turn is expected to contribute to Chinese soft power development in Africa . China gives out loans and aids which in turn are spent on financing infrastructure contracts , of which most are obtained by Chinese companies .
Military
• Chinese military presence in Africa , in parallel to its longstanding adherence to non-interference policy , has so far mainly been to secure its economic interests and protect Chinese citizens in Africa ( Over 180,000 working and total 1 million people living ). In recent years though , China is observed to be increasing military activity and providing comprehensive support to African countries in counter-terrorism and piracy by conducting regional military exercises , training local armed forces , selling arms and promoting the employment of its security personnel ( illegal for Chinese security personnel to bear arms except under certain conditions ). Further developments in its military presence will indicate a major change in its historical approach .
• As of Feb 2020 , China has over 2,000 troops in African missions and has become the largest troop contributor and second largest financier of the U . N .
• China ’ s desired end state in the military sphere is to provide sustainable security for its investments and land / maritime trade .
• China ’ s main objective has thus been to secure economic entities and protect working Chinese citizens on and around the continent . Security is important and will become even more important as 84 percent of Chinese investments were reported to be in medium to high-risk African countries .
• China is one of the top arms exporters to Africa . Another objective therefore is has been to develop markets for its arms industry . Between 2000 and 2019 , Africa in total accounted for 20 percent of China ’ s arms exports while China accounted only for 8 percent of Africa ’ s arms imports ( falling to 3 percent in 2019 ). At the same time , Africa accounted for 16 percent in Russia ’ s arms exports while Russia took 37 percent ( increasing in the last years to reach 52 percent ). Briefly , Russia is more important to Africa than China ; however , Africa is more important for China than to Russia .
• On the other hand , Russia and China ’ s arms sales have been asymmetrical in the African market . This is critical in understanding areas of influence since arms sales usually accompany political agenda . While North Africa is dominated by Russia where China has very small share in arms sales , Sub-Saharan Africa is subject to larger and varying competition between the two players .
Challenges for China in Africa Below are some of the key issues that have already created or will most likely create challenges for China in Africa .
• The public perception on lack of sufficient social and climate concerns with Chinese economic activity in Africa , and public discontent towards the results so far achieved in China ' s impact on African development .
• Increasing concerns of governing elites about Chinese reliance on investments and external debt .
• Increasing indebtedness and deteriorating GDPs of African countries that might hamper BRI and return on investments . These challenges are least likely to change China ’ s overall strategy in Africa , but may slow down level of activity and progress .
Conclusion Despite China ’ s increased level of activity in the continent , African countries still make up a relatively small part of China ’ s global economic activity and the continent still has low priority in China ’ s strategic planning . However , China will most likely maintain its approach of using financial support , trade , foreign direct investments and health diplomacy to penetrate Africa , increase its influence , and further its economic interests .
It is important for analysts to monitor all spheres of Chinese presence in Africa , and understand its global implications on NATO members and partner countries . LC
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