The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 3rd September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Dealing sat a China-Africa forum that India must track

Why in News?

The ninth edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is to take place from 4-6, 2024, in Beijing. The event comes at a time when African nations are facing multiple issues such as high inflation, currency depreciation, a heavy debt burden, unconstitutional military takeovers and geopolitical challenges such as the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars, and attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial shipping in the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, a sense Of 'summit fatigue' has into the mindset Of African leaders following multiple recent Africa summits with Türkiye, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S. Africa Leaders' Summit. Rather than having 54 leaders attend, following the Banjul format of 15 countries plus the African Union Commission (AUC) is more prudent.

Why Africa was China’s First Stop for 34 Years:

• Historical Context:
  • China's relationship with Africa started in the 1950s, focusing on supporting African independence movements.
  • In the 1970s, African nations helped China gain a seat in the UN Security Council.
• Evolution of Relationship:
  • In 1999, China's approach shifted to promoting investments in Africa through the "Go Out Policy".
  • The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 marked a new direction toward diplomacy, investment, and trade.
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013, further strengthened economic and strategic connections.
• Current Status:
  • Today, China is Africa's largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment.
  • China's role has changed from just an investor to a key strategic player, including having a naval base in Djibouti.

China’s Objectives in Africa:

• Resource Access:
  • Gain secure access to important resources like cobalt, platinum, and coltan that are crucial for China's growing technology sector.
• Geopolitical Alliances:
  • Utilize Africa's role in the UN General Assembly to strengthen political relationships.
  • Seek African support on global matters, including backing China's One China policy regarding Taiwan and Hong Kong.
• Currency Strength:
  • Promote the use of the Chinese currency (RMB) in trade with African nations.
  • Develop financial tools and restructure debt in RMB to enhance the currency's strength.
• Commercial Opportunities:
  • Position Africa as a key market for exporting finished goods.
  • Take advantage of Africa's youthful population and affordable labor resources.

Impact on Africa:

• Economic Cooperation:
  • China's investments, trade, and aid help boost Africa's economic growth.
  • China is a major source of Foreign Direct Investment.
• Infrastructure and Employment:
  • Chinese-built infrastructure and industrial parks create jobs.
  • This supports the idea of "Made in Africa".
• Agricultural Advancements:
  • Chinese assistance in developing hybrid crops helps improve Africa's farming.
• China-Africa Partnership:
  • This relationship is seen as a 'win-win partnership' with strong mutual trust.
  • China's non-interventionist approach is gaining popularity across Africa.
• Challenges:
  • There are worries about predatory investments and debt traps linked to China's activities.
  • Some cases of mismanaged debts raise doubts about the long-term impact of China's presence.
  • The non-interference stance might unintentionally support authoritarian regimes.

Impact on India:

• Economic Competition:
  • China's growing economic power in Africa creates competition for Indian businesses.
  • Both countries are interested in accessing resources and markets in Africa, leading to economic rivalry.
• Strategic Implications:
  • China's expanding military presence in Djibouti and its naval base are raising worries about India's maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• Diplomatic Influence:
  • China's influence over African countries in global discussions could affect India's diplomatic efforts.
• Infrastructure and Investment Gap:
  • China’s large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa may create challenges for Indian companies in terms of competition.
• Debt Trap Concerns:
  • India must tackle worries about debt traps linked to Chinese investments, and offer a different model for development aid.

Navigating the Way Ahead: India's Strategy in Response to China's Ties with Africa

Strategic Economic Engagement

• Diversification of Trade
  • Increase and diversify trade relations with African countries, providing strong alternatives to Chinese investments.
  • Focus on industries where India excels, such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
• Developmental Aid
  • Carry out sustainable development projects to fill infrastructure gaps, offering a different model compared to China's large investments.

Security and Defense Collaboration

• Maritime Security Cooperation
  • Enhance maritime security partnerships with African countries to balance China's naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation
  • Boost counterterrorism efforts through sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations to tackle common security issues.

Diplomatic Outreach

• Bilateral Diplomacy
  • Strengthen relationships with African countries through high-level diplomatic talks and regular communication.
  • Encourage interactions between people, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships.
• International Forums
  • Actively participate in international forums to gain support and present a united stance on global issues, countering China's sway in global institutions.

Soft Power and Cultural Exchange

• Promotion of Soft Power
  • Utilize India's soft power by fostering cultural exchanges, showcasing Bollywood, and building academic partnerships.
• Educational Initiatives
  • Support educational programs, scholarships, and research collaborations to create lasting ties with African nations.

Technology Collaboration

• Digital Partnership
  • Work together with African countries in the digital field, providing technological solutions and expertise.
  • Encourage technology transfer and knowledge sharing in areas like digital infrastructure and e-governance.

Humanitarian and Development Assistance

• Healthcare and Education
  • Enhance healthcare collaborations, especially in light of global health emergencies.
  • Expand educational support programs to build skills and capacities in African nations.

Global Alliances

• Strategic Partnerships
  • Create strategic partnerships with like-minded countries to address challenges from China's influence in Africa.
• United Front
  • Collaborate with global allies to present a united front on issues like environmental sustainability, climate change, and human rights.

Adapting to Changing Dynamics

• Flexibility and Innovation
  • Stay flexible in adapting strategies to changing geopolitical and economic conditions.
  • Innovate approaches to respond dynamically to new challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

• In moving forward, India's active and multi-faceted strategy is crucial. 
• By concentrating on diversifying its economy, India can open up new opportunities. 
• Strengthening security partnerships will help India build safer relationships. 
• Engaging in diplomatic efforts will enhance India’s presence on the global stage. 
• Promoting its cultural influence can improve India’s image and connections in Africa. 
• These steps will allow India to effectively navigate the changing landscape created by China's increasing involvement in Africa.