CCP mouthpiece Huanqiu Times recently published an article titled “What does the US’s “transactional” Africa strategy conceal?” Below are some key excerpts from the article:
After shutting down USAID, U.S. President Trump hosted a small “U.S.-Africa summit” with leaders from five West African nations – Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal – declaring a shift in U.S. policy from aid to trade. The move reflects Trump’s transactional approach and the long-standing U.S. view of Africa as a low diplomatic priority.
Analysts see the summit as a response to growing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa. Notably, major African powers like South Africa and Nigeria were excluded – most being BRICS members or seeking stronger roles in global alliances.
Historically, U.S. strategy in Africa has focused on countering external powers – from the Soviets during the Cold War to China and Russia today. However, African nations see little appeal in being treated as a geopolitical battleground. The new U.S. approach lacks meaningful trade access, financing, or industrial support, offering little to countries with urgent development needs.
The five invited countries are rich in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths. Trump’s recent involvement in Congo-Rwanda peace talks is also seen as resource-driven.
U.S. aid is shifting toward a “carrot-and-stick” model, tying assistance to alignment with U.S. interests. This strategy downplays developed nations’ responsibilities for the underdeveloped countries. The U.S. remains skeptical of Africa’s independent development and uses aid and trade primarily to advance its own strategic goals.
Source: Huanqiu Times, July 22, 2025
https://www.huanqiu.com/article/4Nbabsa1ktb