Russian Media: African Factor: China Triumphs in Competition with the U.S. Amid Policy Uncertainty

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, trade between China and Africa surpassed $90 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 23.7% increase. Among these figures, Africa became the primary driver of China’s export growth in the first quarter, with exports reaching $60.66 billion—an increase of 32.1%.

Chinese media point out that this surge in exports to Africa reflects China’s ongoing effort to decouple from the United States, which has launched a tariff war against China.

Russia's Sputnik News analyzed what enabled China to succeed in its competition with the U.S. for influence in Africa.

Positive Momentum

In recent years, trade between China and Africa has continued to grow steadily.

In 2025, bilateral trade between China and Africa reached $34.8 billion, up 17.7% year-on-year.

In 2024, total trade amounted to $29.5 billion, an increase of 6.1% compared to 2023.

What Challenges Does the U.S. Face in Africa?

Unlike Washington, Beijing pursues a balanced, consistent, and mutually beneficial policy toward African nations, grounded in respect for African sovereignty and interests.

In contrast, the United States continues to act through bullying hegemony, perpetuating the vile legacy of old colonialism—oppressing local populations and extracting excessive profits by plundering African resources.

For example, the U.S. previously designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern," citing allegations that Islamic extremists were committing genocide against Christian communities in Nigeria.

Additionally, the U.S. accused South Africa of committing crimes against its white population, leading to the absence of U.S. representatives at the G20 summit chaired by South Africa. South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated that due to Washington’s obstruction, South Africa would not attend the G20 meeting scheduled during the U.S.’s presidency in 2026.

China’s Success Factors

Notably, China’s consistency and continuity in its Africa policy are evident: since 1991, China’s Foreign Minister has annually visited Africa at the beginning of each year as a routine practice.

For instance, in January 2026, China’s Foreign Minister visited Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho. In January 2025, he traveled to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

Furthermore, in February, the Chinese government announced it would implement a zero-tariff policy on goods imported from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1, 2026. The only exception is the Kingdom of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taipei rather than Beijing.

China stated that eliminating tariffs for African nations represents a “new initiative for expanding high-level openness,” which will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for African development and the shared pursuit of modernization between China and Africa. China emphasized its willingness to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with African partners.

Subsequently, China declared that 2026 marks the opening year of China’s “15th Five-Year Plan,” and that China will further expand high-level openness, sharing high-quality development opportunities with African countries including Kenya.

In addition, regular forums such as the China-Africa Cooperation Forum are held between China and African nations. At the 2024 forum, Beijing announced it would provide over 360 billion RMB (approximately $50 billion) in credit, investment, and other assistance to African countries over the next three years. China also pledged to train 60,000 African talents in Chinese educational institutions to cultivate high-caliber professionals.

Many African countries have participated in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862645165493257/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.