The China in Africa Podcast

Zambia's debt restructuring deal has collapsed as rival creditors feud over payment priority. The negotiation process between Zambia and its creditors is mired in disagreement. The slow progress of the G20 common framework for debt relief is analyzed. China's approach to the Zambian debt crisis is explored, examining internal struggles and external influences. African countries face challenges in pushing back against China, highlighting their lack of China competency.

Zambia suffered a major setback this week in its nearly three-year odyssey to restructure $32 billion of debt when the country's bilateral creditors led by China and France pushed back against bondholders. Plus, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a rare diss against China in a commencement speech for new diplomats when he said he tried to avoid Africa being "taken hostage" by China. Eric, Cobus, and Geraud discuss those issues and are also joined by Bongiwe Tutu, project coordinator at the Africa-China Reporting Project at Wits University, to discuss a series of fascinating journalism conferences that took place this week in Johannesburg. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject| @stadenesque | @eric_olander | @christiangeraud | @witschinaafrica Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine عربي: www.akhbaralsin-africia.com | @AkhbarAlSinAfr 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

China's response to the Israel-Hamas war, their neutral stance and alignment with the Arab League and the global south. China's priorities in the Middle East, including their relationship with Saudi Arabia. The complexities of Israeli-Chinese relations. China's unchanged relationship with Iran despite the conflict. Concerns in the United States over China's oil purchases from Iran. China's strategic approach in the Middle East and potential impact on the region.

U.S. lawmakers met this week to discuss how to combat the use of child labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's cobalt mining sector which they claim is largely controlled by Chinese mining companies. The issue is part of a larger debate over what the U.S. needs to do to better compete with the Chinese around the world to secure the critical resources that will power next-generation mobility and technology. The timing of this week's hearings on Capitol Hill coincides with the release of a new report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) about how African countries can become more engaged in the U.S. clean energy supply chain. The report's authors, Zainab Usman, director of the Africa program at CEIP, and Alex Csnadi, a research assistant in the Carnegie Africa program, join Eric & Geraud from Washington to discuss how they think the U.S. can close the gap with China for access to Africa's critical resources. SHOW NOTES: Read the Carnegie report: How Can African Countries Participate in U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chains?: https://bit.ly/46iXaLN JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject| @stadenesque | @eric_olander | @mszeeusman Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth FOLLOW CAP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine عربي: www.akhbaralsin-africia.com | @AkhbarAlSinAfr 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese companies are investing closer to home in Asia instead of Africa and other less-developed regions. The podcast explores the evolution of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), green projects, and the progress of specific deals. It also contrasts the attitudes on migration between Europe and China, and compares China and Europe's engagement with the global south.

A new study shows that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is still alive and has undergone major reforms. The podcast explores the US efforts to counter China's influence, China's rescue lending practices and global debt implications, US-China financial competition, and the importance of long-term planning. They also discuss the challenges of misinformation and underreported stories.

Researchers discuss the challenges of meeting ESG standards in Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Africa. They explore the impact of misinformation on US foreign policy and raise questions about the balance between ESG standards and job creation priorities. The podcast also examines the challenges of relocation and land compensation in Chinese infrastructure projects, and provides recommendations for improving ESG performance in African governments.

Ningyi Sun, co-director of Eat Bitter, a documentary humanizing the main characters in the China-Africa relationship. The podcast discusses the challenges of distributing the film, the sand supply chain in the Central African Republic, the pain and affection in a troubled family, and the importance of humanizing the China-Africa relationship.

Discussing the impact of Chinese media influence in Africa and Beijing's efforts to reshape the global information environment; Analyzing China's evolving tactics in media engagement and their impact on public opinion; Comparing Chinese media influence in Latin America and Africa; Examining Chinese messaging and Western soft power targeting overseas Chinese populations; Exploring the influence of American media on African perceptions; Discussing the framing of Chinese messaging in Africa and the challenges of distinguishing real news from fake news.

Five African heads of state attended China's Belt and Road Forum, highlighting Africa's prominent role. Key takeaways include new development finance and greater access to the Chinese market. Discussions cover African perspectives, urgent issues, positive impacts of China's investments, and contrasting approaches to development aid. China showcases optimism for the future, while the West lacks a clear vision. China's growing relationship with the global South and its foreign policy shifts are emphasized.