The China in Africa Podcast

Chinese President Xi Jinping has long touted the East's rise and the West's decline, the kind of thinking that's triggered his supporters to fantasize about a post-Western geopolitical order. While it's indisputable that U.S. and European countries, which represent the foundational pillars of the Western system, have seen their power diminish in the post-Cold War era, there's little credible evidence of a full-blown collapse of Western influence. Instead, King's College scholar Samir Puri argues in his new book "Westlessness," that the role of the West in the international system is changing and not going away. Samir joins Eric & Cobus from London to discuss the emergence of a new, less Western global order. Show Notes: Order "Westlessness" on Amazon.co.uk JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque | @purisamir1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CAP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CAP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit is now less than a month away. Chinese President Xi Jinping will host dozens of African leaders in Beijing in the first week of September for the triennial gathering that comes at a critical time for African countries and China. Africa needs China's support for continued infrastructure financing and to buy more of its goods, while China is looking to Africa as a vital supplier of critical resources and to develop new markets for its cars, solar panels, and other products that are increasingly shut out from G7 countries. But with very little visibility into the negotiating positions of the various stakeholders, it's difficult to tell what will emerge from this year's summit. Development Reimagined Policy Analyst Ovigwe Eguegu is closely following African preparations for FOCAC and joins Eric & Cobus to share some of his insights on what to expect. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @ovigweeguegu | @stadenesque | @eric_olander Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CAP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CAP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

Jendayi Frazer, a leading expert on U.S.-China relations and former assistant secretary of state, discusses the critical need for the U.S. to enhance its focus on Africa in the face of China's growing influence. She highlights the shortcomings of current U.S.-Africa relations and the complexities of competition with China. Frazer emphasizes the importance of understanding African perspectives, enhancing governance, and fostering direct relationships with key African nations for effective engagement. The conversation reveals the urgent call for a transformative strategy in U.S. foreign policy.

Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a battleground for major powers as foreign ministers from China, the U.S., Japan, and Russia converge in Laos. Tensions rise over Taiwan and the South China Sea, especially with the Philippines navigating its complex relationship with China. Vietnam's leadership transition adds another layer, impacting regional diplomacy. The episode dives into the implications of U.S. foreign policy shifts and highlights emerging local narratives that shape the geopolitical landscape.

Exploring Europe's need for a new vision in engaging with Africa beyond countering China, focusing on mutual interests and long-term investment. Discussing historical colonial trauma, China-Africa relations, and opportunities for strategic partnerships amidst global political shifts.

Exploring the complexities of US-China-Africa relations, including US foreign policy challenges, impact of AGOA on African countries, relationship dynamics between China and South Africa, potential impact of a second Trump administration, and reflections on a recent Washington visit and call for support.

Exploring the need for a new narrative on Africa-China relations beyond Western and Chinese biases. Scholars discuss the complexities, power dynamics, and nuances of storytelling in shaping global relationships. Emphasizing the importance of elevating African perspectives and engaging with diverse voices for a more comprehensive understanding.

Discussions on Chinese overcapacity impacting developing countries, with examples of tariffs introduced by South Africa and other nations. Highlights Chinese dominance in low-cost goods, challenges faced by local producers, and implications for global supply chains. Experts from Rhodium Group share insights on the debilitating effects on least developed countries.

Kenyan protestors express anger towards government and IMF, not China. Kenya struggles with servicing Chinese debt amidst currency depreciation. China's role in African conflicts and diplomatic relations. Challenges of Chinese debt in Niger. Critique of China's diplomatic efforts in Horn of Africa.

The violent confrontation between China and the Philippines on June 17th near the Second Thomas Shoal marked a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries over their rival territorial claims in the South China Sea. After the melee that severely injured one Filipino sailor, the two countries engaged in a second battle, this time in the media, to shape the narrative of what happened and where this burgeoning crisis goes from here. Alex Vuving, a professor at the Pentagon-backed think tank Asia-Pacific Security Studies Center in Honolulu, joins Eric to discuss why the events of June 17th have prompted Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to recalibrate his strategy. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth