A symposium on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 23, 2023.
© picture alliance / Xinhua News Agency | Li Yahui
Pragmatic, Strategic and Wide-Reaching: The CCP’s Party Diplomacy in Africa
Megatrends Policy Brief 29, 28.10.2024, 11 PagesIn the past few years, China’s engagement in Africa has (again) caused controversy as to whether, how and to what effect China seeks to actively share lessons from its political and economic system in its relations with African countries. One important actor in this regard is the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP-ID), which is in charge of China’s party diplomacy in Africa and beyond. This policy brief analyses recent patterns and motives of China’s party diplomacy in Africa. It finds that the CCP maintains close ties with the main ruling parties in southern Africa and in some countries in East Africa, while engaging with a broad range of parties in countries in North Africa. Beijing’s party diplomacy in Africa seeks to promote China’s core foreign policy interests, advance an alternative narrative on global China and normalize China’s authoritarian system. Even though it remains unclear as to what extent China can reach it goals through party diplomacy, African policymakers certainly welcome the continuous and high-level engagement by Chinese party officials. European policymakers, in turn, should invest more in better understanding party diplomacy, and reflect on how to respond to a growing competition of narratives.
A symposium on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 23, 2023.
© picture alliance / Xinhua News Agency | Li Yahui
The FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027) outlines concrete targets for China–Africa relations. What are the latest trends shaping this partnership, and how might they impact Europe’s cooperation with Africa?
This policy brief delves into China's strategic media engagement across Africa, revealing a dynamic interplay of state and private efforts aimed at reshaping narratives and boosting China's influence. It emphasises the pivotal role of economic and regulatory landscapes, suggesting the necessity of fostering African media independence to safeguard against authoritarian tendencies.
doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB26
China is reorganising the spatial order in the East African Community through influencing key stakeholders. By heavily investing in regional connectivity projects via the BRI, Beijing promotes an alternative idea of development – one that is favourable to a Chinese-centric order in the region.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB12
African governments and the AU have supported the development of the continent’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. China, too, has increasingly invested in that sector. This Policy Brief argues that while Beijing meets Africa’s need for the development, helps bridge the telecom gap and contributes to connectivity, there are risks surrounding China’s engagement.
doi:10.18449/2022MTA-PB07
