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How China is building the future in sub-Saharan Africa – and why the US needs to rethink its approach

Eric Mboma says China’s role in Congo’s economic and infrastructural development shows the nature and reach of its global aspirations, whereas America’s focus on political institutions and humanitarian goals is proving less attractive than actual jobs and growth

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<p>Eric Mboma says China’s role in Congo’s economic and infrastructural development shows the nature and reach of its global aspirations, whereas America’s focus on political institutions and humanitarian goals is proving less attractive than actual jobs and growth</p>
Congo’s inability to cut and finish the diamonds for which it is famous was a drag on development.
Congo’s inability to cut and finish the diamonds for which it is famous was a drag on development.
While much is made of China’s expanding footprint in Asia, the reach of its global aspirations can be seen in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo reveals the complex dynamics of China’s interaction with the continent, and the inability of the US to balance it.

The fundamental reason for this state of affairs is that American and Chinese foreign-policy priorities in sub-Saharan Africa, of which Congo is a part, diverge considerably.

According to a 2013 study conducted by the US Government Accountability Office, America’s goals include building democracy, promoting development, supporting commerce and strengthening security. Beijing, by contrast, emphasises its mission of establishing closer ties with African countries. Its principles of engagement include seeking mutual benefit, and not interfering in the domestic affairs of African countries.

Zhang, a Chinese middleman who buys copper and cobalt from local miners in Katanga Province in Congo to sell on to China, poses with one of his employees at his warehouse in a mining town west of Lubumbashi. Photo: Luis de las Alas.
Zhang, a Chinese middleman who buys copper and cobalt from local miners in Katanga Province in Congo to sell on to China, poses with one of his employees at his warehouse in a mining town west of Lubumbashi. Photo: Luis de las Alas.

Beijing’s pivot towards Africa

While economic engagement features on the agendas of both nations, the US’ democracy-building efforts differ markedly from China’s stance. In Congo – as, actually, anywhere else in the developing world – states prefer the pursuit of economic interest over being pursued by others over democracy and human rights.

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