U.S. and China Embark on Diplomatic Offensive in Africa Amidst Competing Interests

The game of diplomatic chess between the United States and China is seeing renewed maneuvers in Africa this year, with both nations dispatching high-level delegations to 10 African nations, highlighting the intensifying competition for geopolitical influence and partnership. This strategic engagement is marked by the attendance of representatives from both countries at the inauguration of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, showcasing the significance Africa holds for these global powers.

China's outreach is spearheaded by Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, following President Xi Jinping's recent congratulations to President Tshisekedi. This engagement continues China's consistent diplomatic presence in Africa, a trend set by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, who has made it a point to visit the continent every January since assuming office in 2013, with 2023 being the exception due to a temporary seven-month replacement by Qin Gang.

The Chinese diplomatic trail features pivotal talks in various African states. In Egypt, Wang Yi's discussions included pivotal issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a subject on which both the U.S. and China coincidentally share the vision of a two-state solution. Moving to Tunisia, Wang met with President Kais Saied, and then onto Togo, expressing solidarity with Togo's support for China's One-China policy regarding Taiwan—a stance contrasting significantly with the reaction to the US' congratulatory message over Taiwan's elections, which China deemed an infringement of its policy with Taiwan.

Completing this round of visits, China's delegation arrived in Cote d'Ivoire, exemplifying the multifaceted nature of China's Africa policy. Parallel to this, Chinese diplomats are participating in the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda, demonstrating China's desire to bolster its observer status within this international forum.

The United States, not to be outdone, has assembled a notable team for the DRC inauguration, comprising Lucy Tamlyn, Ambassador to Kinshasa; Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs; Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Africa, USAID; and Chidi Blyden, Deputy CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. These moves reinforce America's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.

Further entrenching this commitment, US Treasury Under Secretary Jay Shambaugh visited Zambia, a focal point of US-China economic competition, particularly concerning the G20 debt restructuring framework. The discussions there extended beyond finance to address the cholera outbreak, underscoring the comprehensive nature of US engagement.

This strategic tussle continued in Nigeria where high-level military cooperation talks took place, featuring US Marine Corps General Michael Langley. The dialogue focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, addressing violent extremism, and recognizing Nigeria's regional security leadership role.

These series of diplomatic undertakings by both the United States and China underscore the substantive importance of Africa as a theatre of geopolitical competition and collaboration. As each side vies for influence, economic partnerships, and a stronger foothold, it becomes evident that Africa's role on the global stage is increasingly pivotal and contested.