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China’s top diplomat in the U.S., Ambassador Qin Gang, made waves at the Semafor Africa Summit this week, declaring Africa 'should be a place for international cooperation, not geopolitical chessboards.' His remarks come amid growing debates about global powers’ roles on the continent.
Pushing back against claims of a 'debt trap,' Qin emphasized China’s focus on infrastructure and 'win-win' partnerships. 'Our financial assistance is transparent and sincere—built to empower African economies, not exploit them,' he said, referencing projects like Kenya’s railway upgrades and Nigeria’s digital hubs.
A new report by South Africa’s Institute for Global Dialogue supports this view, noting U.S. engagement often seems more about 'countering China and Russia' than solving Africa’s challenges. Meanwhile, China’s non-interference policy has won praise from leaders in Ethiopia and Zambia.
Qin called for U.S.-China teamwork: 'As UN Security Council members, we share a duty to foster peace and prosperity here.' But with Washington framing its Africa strategy around 'democracy vs. autocracy,' collaboration remains tricky.
One thing’s clear: African nations are driving their own foreign policies. As Qin put it, 'This continent isn’t a trophy—it’s a partner.'
His remarks come amid growing debates about global powers’ roles on the continent.
'Our financial assistance is transparent and sincere—built to empower African economies, not exploit them,' he said, referencing projects like Kenya’s railway upgrades and Nigeria’s digital hubs.
Meanwhile, China’s non-interference policy has won praise from leaders in Ethiopia and Zambia.
But with Washington framing its Africa strategy around 'democracy vs. autocracy,' collaboration remains tricky.
US Firms, China's Open for Business: Ambassador…
