Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Growing Influence Of India Over China In Africa
IndiaWest ^ | March 20, 2025

Posted on 04/03/2025 2:29:00 PM PDT by nickcarraway

A recent opinion piece for Newsweek discussing the evolving power dynamics in Africa, says China’s influence is waning and India is stepping in to assert itself. Gordon G. Chang, an author and commentator, highlighted that Africa, traditionally dominated by external powers like Europe, Russia, the U.S., and China, is now entering a period where it may determine its own future.

Chang, in his piece, ‘Is China Losing Africa To India?’ noted that China had long been a dominant player in Africa, with its engagement dating back to the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Mao Zedong had sought Africa’s support in his struggle against the Soviet Union and for leadership in the global Communist movement. Today, China remains Africa’s largest bilateral trade partner, top creditor, and biggest investor.

However, Chang observed that China’s position is weakening, driven by severe economic challenges. The country’s growth had stalled, and its debt load had become a major concern. Chang explained that China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aimed to create a global network of infrastructure, was running out of steam as a result of economic struggles. A key example of this was the stalled rail project connecting Kenya’s Mombasa to Uganda, where Chinese financing had dried up, leaving the project incomplete.

In contrast, India has made significant strides in strengthening its ties with Africa. Chang pointed out India’s leadership role in the G-20 and its efforts to bring the African Union into the fold, which were well-received by African countries seeking alternatives to both China and the West.

However, Chang observed that India’s influence remains largely concentrated in peripheral areas like Indian Ocean island states such as Seychelles and Mauritius. Despite this, India’s approach, which focuses on capacity-building and technology transfer, contrasts with China’s extractive model.

Chang quoted India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who, at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, critiqued China’s “exploitative practices” in Africa, a comment that triggered a defensive response from China’s Global Times.

Chang concluded by emphasizing that Africa is poised for rapid growth, making it a key battleground for influence between China and India. As the region enters a new phase of economic development, both countries understand the high stakes involved in shaping its future.


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: africa; china; india

1 posted on 04/03/2025 2:29:00 PM PDT by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

If Russia ever became the natural ally that it should be, between us, them, India , Japan and South Korea we’d have China’s balls pickled, jarred and put up.


2 posted on 04/03/2025 2:39:46 PM PDT by clintonh8r (The truth is hate speech to those who hate the truth. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

People from India used to have a huge presence in East Africa. In many places, they were the educated elite and comprised the entrepreneurial, mercantile and professional classes. They did a lot of the skilled work during the rather short era of European colonialism. A lot of them got chased out after independence as sub-Saharan Africa went on its racist binge.

A lot of Africa would benefit from a healthy dose of “diversity is our strength” reprogramming.


3 posted on 04/03/2025 2:42:32 PM PDT by sphinx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: sphinx

You are right. Many were massacred by the newly independent countries in Africa.

The new countries never missed a change to miss a chance...and its why most are still pathetically poor no matter how many Trillions have been spent there since independence.


4 posted on 04/03/2025 3:29:30 PM PDT by packrat35 (Pureblood! No clot shot for me!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

“Gordon G. Chang, an author and commentator”

I used to listen to Gordon Chang on the John Batchelor show. The show was cool. Batchelor had this very portentous way of presenting everything, and in a polished and erudite manner, and Gordon Chang was always saying how this or that major event was just about to happen. Very entertaining. None of it EVER panned out.


5 posted on 04/03/2025 4:19:35 PM PDT by Flash Bazbeaux
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: sphinx

I think a subplot of Mississippi Masala was the fact that the Indians running the hotel in Mississippi were refugees from Uganda.


6 posted on 04/03/2025 4:24:47 PM PDT by Flash Bazbeaux
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: clintonh8r

Russia is China’s ally.


7 posted on 04/03/2025 6:30:20 PM PDT by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

I said, “if Russia ever became our natural ally, which they should be”…..


8 posted on 04/04/2025 6:18:00 AM PDT by clintonh8r (The truth is hate speech to those who hate the truth. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Flash Bazbeaux
Gordon Chang was always saying how this or that major event was just about to happen. Very entertaining. None of it EVER panned out.

Chang has made a lucrative career out of telling conservatives what they want to hear about China.

9 posted on 04/04/2025 6:24:51 AM PDT by Mr. Jeeves ([CTRL]-[GALT]-[DELETE])
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Mr. Jeeves

That’s been my take on it.


10 posted on 04/04/2025 9:12:20 AM PDT by Flash Bazbeaux
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson