Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a tour of four African nations this week as Beijing cements its ties with the continent. His visit — spanning Namibia, Congo Brazzaville, Chad, and Nigeria — continues a 35-year tradition of Beijing’s foreign minister making Africa the first overseas trip each year.
China’s consistent engagement with the region contrasts with that of the US and the EU, analysts told Reuters, an approach that could put Beijing in a stronger position in the growing competition for Africa’s metals and minerals.
China has already invested around $182 billion in the continent since 2000 and is looking for further deals to fuel its green technology ambitions.
In Namibia, Wang said China would help the country transform its resource advantages into societal benefits, South China Morning Post reported, proposing investments in nuclear energy, minerals processing, and housing for the police force.
