China and Africa: A Brief 20th-Century Diplomatic History

China's increasing involvement in Africa, from infrastructure investment through Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, what some have termed "debt-trap diplomacy", cultural diplomacy through Confucius Institutes, to a growing military presence, have drawn global scrutiny. In fact, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has been engaging with a variety of African nations for over half a century. Dr. Lina Benabdallah, assistant professor of Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University, gives a brief snapshot of this history, including the PRC's early engagement with African independence struggles, including in Algeria. How does this history resonate in African nations like Algeria today?

This interview was recorded in 2020.

[cinnamonstar]

0:46 I wouldnt say its interesting... China was a colonial land.
the PRC & AFRICA have a commonality. PAN-AFRICAN MOVEMENT by spearheading by Marcus Garvey affected many groups who felt they were under oppress and prisoners of a foreign entity.
#2 is the intangible connect: China wears African culture.
#3 its about common value. Independence means you want to stand alone : to determine your future; to set your image of who you are. This is why AFRICA immediately recognized the PRC in the UN and not Taiwan as China.
#4 China & Africa realized they need each other in UN votes, trade and friendship. divided will lead back to chaos ... the same fracture that made them a colony to outside forces.= its not just belt + road .. or trade debt

there is intangible value which created the relationship in the 1st place.