Battle for African Influence: China's Inclusivity vs US Superiority.

Byline: Mohsin Abbas

The struggle for influence between China and the United States in Africa is crucial for these two major powers and the continent's future. Both countries have a significant impact on African nations, and their policies and investments will have an enduring impact on the region. In the past, the United States has played a prominent role in Africa, but its pull has recently decreased. On the other hand, China has expanded its influence in Africa by providing aid, investments, and infrastructure development. Nevertheless, there are concerns about how China engages with Africa, particularly its debt-trap diplomacy. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a significant project aimed at enhancing infrastructure in underdeveloped or developing nations worldwide, Africa included. Many African countries have been drawn to the initiative due to its

investment and infrastructure development promise. China has been providing loans to these countries to sustain their economies. However, concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of these loans leading to debt-trap diplomacy, where African countries could become trapped in a cycle of debt to China. China's approach to Africa has been more inclusive than that of the US, which has been viewed as a superpower imposing its will on African countries without considering their interests. China has garnered significant support and approval from numerous African leaders and citizens by treating African countries as equal partners. Despite concerns about China's debt-trap diplomacy, its promise of investment and infrastructure development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative has attracted many African countries. The United States needs to reevaluate its

approach toward Africa to maintain its prominent position in the region. Investing in Africa's technological, industrial, and infrastructure sectors could help the US regain its regional influence. Additionally, the US needs to establish an equal partnership with African countries, which includes consulting them when creating policies that affect the region. With Africa's vast potential, China and the US are interested in tapping into it. However, these two superpowers must strive to establish sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with African countries. African countries must be strategic when engaging with China and the US to avoid getting caught up in a geopolitical struggle between the two...