China-Africa relations under scrutiny: Analysts call for balanced benefits amid high-level diplomatic talks

Economist Salomo Hei yesterday said China’s influence in Africa is one-sided.

He was responding to a visit to Namibia by China’s foreign affairs minister Wang Yi.

Wang met with vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday morning at the old State House in Windhoek.

This is Wang’s first stop in Africa. He will also visit the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad and Nigeria.

“I think there’s an emerging group of countries that are coming through currently that led to the establishment of what we now know as Brics,” Hei said.

Brics is an intergovernmental organisation comprising nine countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. It was originally formed to highlight investment opportunities.

“Africa is being represented by South Africa in that particular grouping at this stage,” he said.

Hei emphasised that with these associations, the results should be beneficial to Africa in terms of the value derived from the relationships being built.

“To the extent that we want to move away from your usual export of raw materials to a point where we can define beneficiation, define value addition and look at ways the continent, and by extension Namibia, can benefit from this relationship, whether it’s infrastructure or mining,” Hei added.

Wang yesterday told Nandi-Ndaitwah his visit follows in the long tradition of Chinese officials visiting African countries as their first foreign trip.

“I hope that through the tradition of holding the New Year in Africa, we can show the world that no matter what changes occur in the international and economic situation, China will always be Africa’s most trusted ally, and will always be Africa’s most reliable partner in the pursuit of development and revitalisation,” he said.

He noted that he wants the visit to signify that geopolitics do not impact China-Africa relations.

“We can show the world that whatever happens in the international and regional situation, China will always be the most trustworthy friend of African brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner of African countries in the pursuit of development and vitalisation, and the strongest backing for Africa on the international stage,” he said.

International relations expert Marius Kudumo yesterday said China has always been and continues to be strategic in its management of international affairs.

“The visit is significant for China as there are strategic interests that China intends to advance, both bilateral and multilateral, in the visiting states,” he said.

He noted that the expression “trustworthy partner” should be understood against the background of China advancing strategic interests.

Kudumo said international relations is about describing, analysing, predicting, advancing and positioning to derive benefits and achieve strategic interests and objectives.

“It is not about charity but about advancing interests. The statement, therefore, is used to advance interests,” Kudumo said. Meanwhile, president Nangolo Mbumba also met with Wang at Swakopmund yesterday to deliberate on the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

China and Namibia are set to cooperate closely in the areas of healthcare, trade and investment facilitation, as well as the development of green energy sources.

In addition, Mbumba expressed his desire to benefit from China’s concept of smart cities, the large potential tourist market and assistance in terms of improving airport facilities.

During the meeting with Mbumba, Wang said his visit to Namibia and other African countries before any other continent, symbolises the importance China places on nurturing these relationships.

“Our African brothers and sisters are our trustworthy friends. Although we are geographically far apart, our hearts are closely linked,” he said.

Wang further said the two countries’ “shared development and cooperation represents the rise of the Global South and the force of emerging countries”.

Mbumba highlighted his hopes for the continued close relationship between the two nations.

Wang’s visit concludes today.