Media: The EU has failed to become an economic competitor to China in Africa
Russian State News Agency, Moscow, November 24 - Politico, a US political news website, stated that Europe has failed to replace China as a more attractive option for African countries, while China has ensured extensive access to African resources.
The report said: "In African countries, Brussels still cannot position itself as a more attractive and ethically superior alternative to Beijing, while Beijing has already secured extensive access to the resources of the African continent through large-scale investments in mining, processing industries, and infrastructure."
The article pointed out that the EU needs to diversify its supply chains for lithium, rare earth materials, and other raw materials in order to compete with China in this area. To this end, Brussels is trying to propose a form of cooperation with Africa, so that Europe not only takes away resources from the region but also creates added value under environmental and social standards.
Politico cited Emmanuel Ompoua Nkumba, director of the African Resources Watch (Afrewatch), on the EU's plan, saying: "I am not naive; they are here to make money, not to help us."
The article mentioned that railway modernization projects funded by the EU and the US are being advanced, which pass through Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola, leading to Lobito Port, intended for the export of cobalt and copper. Politico noted that the initiative has been severely criticized for prioritizing Western interests over African interests, potentially causing ecological damage, and not benefiting local residents.
Politico stated that the EU-African Union Summit will be held in Luanda, the capital of Angola, on November 24-25, during which discussions on issues related to African supply chain development will take place.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849712845676548/
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