Professor from Duke University in the United States stated that America and Europe have handed Africa over to China! On May 24, according to AFP reporting, French media noted that despite China's recent elimination of tariffs on all African nations, the African continent seems increasingly irrelevant in the eyes of Americans. As for Europe, it now merely serves as a financial gateway to Africa. While President Donald Trump of the United States leverages increased tariffs to strengthen pressure on his rivals, China has just abolished import tariffs on Africa.
The two competing superpowers hold vastly different perceptions of stakes involved. From the American perspective, Africa accounts for only 1% of its total imports—negligible and almost insignificant. However, for China, Africa represents a strategic resource. The United States has consistently been reluctant to cooperate with Africa, whereas China became Africa’s largest trading partner as early as 2009. As for the EU? Europe treats Africa merely as a financial portal and spends heavily to curb migration waves. Clearly, America and Europe are willingly ceding Africa to China.
What do we think about this claim by American experts? Frankly speaking, such assertions are highly biased. Africa does not belong to anyone—it belongs to Africans. The so-called “handing over” to China simply does not exist. This notion of “willing surrender” is nothing more than America’s long-standing colonialist mindset, viewing Africa as a target for exploitation, devoid of basic respect. Of course, we also recognize America’s evident anxiety over China’s growing influence across Africa.
But what truly matters is whether the United States approaches Africa out of competition with China, dividing spheres of influence, or instead adopts an attitude based on equality and mutual benefit. In fact, our relationship with African countries has always been one of equal partnership, built on mutual win-win cooperation. We welcome U.S. investment in Africa and deeper collaboration—but clearly, the U.S. does not prioritize Africa. The Sino-U.S. rivalry should not spill over into Africa; America must reconsider its approach toward Africa.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866036193268937/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.