Africa focus is a snapshot of China’s global vision

Mao Zedong once famously declared that “political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” But almost a century later, China realizes that victory in an increasingly multipolar world also requires shaping public opinion. 

Accordingly, Beijing is rearranging its foreign policy outlook – especially in Africa. Whether countering human rights criticism or isolating Taiwan, its goal is to wage a new form of warfare,  the strategic contest for hearts and minds. 

China has embraced a mix of diplomacy, soft power and influence campaigns – through its increasing media control, educational outreach and economic ties across Africa.

The aim is to position itself as a leader in shaping the global order.

China’s approach to cultivating its international image initially relied on the country’s economic prowess. But with its expanding influence, Beijing increasingly seeks to reshape the existing global order according to its values. 

In pursuit of this alternative world, it acknowledges the strategic importance of securing Africa’s support through influence.

Rapid growth

In 2013, Beijing launched its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to connect economies across Asia, Africa and beyond through high-profile infrastructure projects. 

Now, it also seeks to foster a pro-China narrative by framing its policies as being better suited for developing economies than the Western alternatives. 

Beijing’s distinct approach is characterized by state-led investment aimed at industrialization and rapid growth, along with a governance model that often prioritizes economic performance over democratic institutions. This is commonly referred to as the Beijing Consensus. 

Through investments in key sectors such as African media, it subtly encourages recipient countries to adopt Chinese norms and governance models.

Beijing’s primary motivation in constructing influence in the region is to safeguard its investments, protect its citizens and maintain robust trade relations. 

But as Africa’s relations with traditional powers – often its former colonial rulers – deteriorate, China is intensifying its efforts to reshape the political, media and social landscapes. 

To this end, it is deploying influence operations extensively to shape public narratives in its favor and win the battle for Africa’s hearts and minds.

Countries employ various strategies to assert influence, including creating economic dependencies. China’s strategic approach in Africa is multifaceted, aiming to establish an alternative global order distinct from the Western-dominated paradigm. 

This is particularly evident in Beijing’s focus on shaping the continent’s political environments through diplomatic, ideological and educational initiatives.

China’s involvement in African politics has deep historical roots, with long-standing support for governments, military forces and liberation movements.

Notably, Beijing provided critical backing to the African National Congress during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, and aided the South West Africa People’s Organization in Namibia’s fight for liberation. 

Expanding influence

In Angola’s independence war, China initially backed the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola. But as its relationship with the Soviet Union began to deteriorate, it shifted support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. 

In Zimbabwe, Beijing backed the Patriotic Front, while in Mozambique, it aligned with the Mozambique Liberation Front during its struggle for sovereignty.

Still in recent years, China has ramped up its efforts to bolster its influence in Africa, with study tours playing a pivotal role in its public diplomacy strategy. These are cornerstones of China-Africa relations, and see hundreds of officials participating annually. 

The programs include academic lectures, visits to provincial governments and cultural exchanges, all designed to give African participants insights into Chinese traditions, governance practices and development models.

Beijing is also expanding its influence in regional politics by establishing political party training schools modeled after the the Communist Central Party School. 

Mediation and diplomatic dialogue has been another key plank of China’s policy in Africa. Historically, the United States has maintained a dominant role in these areas. 

But Beijing is increasingly establishing itself as a key player in this domain. That was demonstrated by its involvement in mediating the Niger-Benin dispute, linked to China National Petroleum Corporation’s US$5 billion investment in a transboundary pipeline.

As it aims to establish an alternative Sino-centric world, Beijing recognizes the importance of securing Africa’s support. With 54 countries, it is a significant player on the global stage. 

Accordingly, Beijing is intensifying its efforts to cultivate strong relations on the continent as part of its broader strategy to shift the international balance of power in its favor.

China’s approach has been grounded in decades of patience and strategic diplomacy. But under President Xi Jinping, tactics of disinformation and agitprop have returned. 

Political relationships

This battle for influence is unfolding against the backdrop of Africa’s awakening as a continent stirring from slumber with new ambitions. 

It is up to its policymakers to choose between multilateralism in its true sense, or shift from a Western-led to a Sino-centric global order.

China’s growing influence is evident in the creation of new educational institutions and deepening political relationships. Through these efforts, Beijing is not only securing influence in Africa but also setting the stage for change defined by its values and priorities. 

As Sun Tzu wrote, ‘The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” And China is poised to win Africa without firing a shot.

Samir Bhattacharya is an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, India. 

This edited article is republished from East Asia Forum under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of China Factor.