By Habiba Ali
The feud between the US and China has seen multiple highs and lows; the sentiment of being anti-communist (which usually means anti-Russian and Chinese) is embedded within the American government identity, and the fight against it has never stopped. In a post-WWII world, proxy wars have set the trend for nations to protect their interests and security, as opposed to wars that completely drain states of all their resources. For major powers, spreading influence has always been a main objective with different dimensions, whether cultural, technological, economic, political, or environmental, which we will probably see more of in the future. China is fiercely challenging the US, which remains the reigning hegemon and superpower in various aspects. The upcoming AI revolution contributes to the growing polarization between the US and China, as the latter has access to raw materials such as gallium and germanium, and holds half of the world's supply of rare minerals. Meanwhile, the US retains the blueprint for key technologies such as microchips and semiconductors. If China fails to procure these materials, it runs the risk of falling behind. Despite possessing these materials, China prioritizes expanding its influence to areas where the remaining materials are found, particularly in Africa, where rare earth elements, which are crucial as the world strives towards a zero-emissions goal, are abundant. At a time when the US has been diminishing its presence in Africa, China saw the opportunity, the benefits, and the resources. The US appears to be lagging behind in its efforts to expand its influence through diverse approaches in various regions, prioritizing domestic issues over Africa and the Indo-Pacific, which should be of utmost importance. The way we view Africa shapes the current political climate, with some perceiving it as charity work, while others recognize its potential and are able to ignore stereotypes. Africa’s geopolitical importance is coming more into focus with the increased foreign activity that isn't Western-based. The increasing global demand for rare earth elements, as well as the continent's youthful population, make it all the more critical. Africa is home to rich deposits of gold, chromium, platinum, cobalt, diamonds, and uranium, as well as substantial arable land and fresh water.
Securing its interests across the globe is a fundamental aspect of the US's foreign policy. The US initiated its interest in Africa through the Soviet Union-backed African independence movements. Clinton's presidency saw the establishment of initiatives such as the African Crisis Response Initiative and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, which aimed to stabilize and economically support Africa. However, these initiatives faced criticism for their perceived alignment with US strategic interests. With the war on terror era, the US focused on military aid and security initiatives. Recent initiatives, including Biden's, aim to address economic opportunities, security, and climate issues. The various attempts the US is taking arguably showcase how the US is now simply playing catch up with China across the world, mainly in the Indo-Pacific and minimally in Africa. The situation bears similarities to the Cold War era and the monotony of Africa.
From the Western model, we are witnessing a comparable scenario where China emerges victorious; the US's "humanitarian" policies, despite their alternative motivations, now appear to be a relic from the past. The rise of radical and revolutionist movements in Africa could prove the US’s mission to be harder than expected. The polar opposite of the US emphasizes mutual respect, nonaggression, noninterference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. China supported liberation movements and has solidified its relationship through the Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) and the "One China" policy. China was able to maintain its influence (despite the setbacks caused by the cultural revolution) and was the largest provider of foreign aid in the 1970s. The following decades showed the shift we can currently observe, which focuses on economic modernization, leading to significant growth in trade and resulting in China becoming one of Africa’s largest trading partners. We have observed a more favorable shift away from the US's explorative and exploitative policy; however, while the Chinese economic approach continues to succeed, the crucial secondary element of influence - culture and ideology - does not appear to yield similar results. Chinese culture centers have not been as influential as the US's, and while China is currently able to survive on fiscal influences, these may prove to be insufficient in the long run.
The geostrategic importance of Africa is undeniable; different superpowers have shown their interest there across time. Not only have non-pragmatic policies contributed to the US's decline in power in Africa, but the US's recent de-prioritization of Africa, albeit slowly, may also be the cause. Compared to the Indo-Pacific situation, the US seems to be struggling to establish a clear agenda for immediate action against the "Chinese threat," but it is still taking action. If both sides continue to impose export curbs, the demand for raw materials intensifies, and China's influence becomes a threat to US security, the US may prioritize Africa more and establish a new era of relations that better aligns with the current political climate in Africa. Simultaneously, the core of US foreign policy and diplomacy is the dissemination of culture and influence, which may explain why the US isn't as concerned as analysts and political scientists believe about the continuation of a strong Chinese advantage in Africa since the Cold War. Trust in the US's charm and liberal policies will become evident over time, provided they remain relevant and sufficient. For a long time, China seems to have kept its priorities straight and clear for Africa. This contributes to the stability of the domestic Chinese policymakers' perspective. The prioritization of economic growth, the establishment of a "win-win" policy, and the attractive infrastructure diplomacy, which has not interfered with the domestic politics of African countries until recently, appear to have won the hearts of African countries for the time being.
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