Africa should beware China’s growing role, top US diplomat Antony Blinken warns during ‘trip’ to Nigeria and Kenya
- Biden’s Secretary of State vows greater US commitment in virtual talks with the two nations’ leaders
- China has ramped up investment in Africa, with a focus on natural resources
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday cautioned Africa to beware of China’s growing role as he vowed a greater US commitment in talks with Nigeria and Kenya.
In what was billed as a virtual trip due to Covid-19 restrictions, the top US diplomat was holding talks with the two nations’ leaders and “touring” sites including a US-funded mobile hospital and renewable energy project.
Responding to questions from young Africans who have studied in the United States, Blinken said he hoped that African nations approach all their relationships “with your eyes wide open”.
“We’re not asking anyone to choose between the United States or China, but I would encourage you to ask those tough questions, to dig beneath the surface, to demand transparency and to make informed choices about what is best for you and your countries,” Blinken said.
The United States has increasingly had a competitive relationship with China, which has ramped up investment in Africa with a focus on natural resources and without any of the Western pretences of advancing democratic values.
Blinken pointed to concerns that a number of nations have been saddled with unsustainable debts after taking Chinese loans, with Zambia last year defaulting.