Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Conflict in Ethiopia Adds to Uncertainty Over the Stability of Chinese Investments in the Country

by Eric Olander
A damaged tank stands abandoned on a road near Humera, Ethiopia, on November 22, 2020. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced military operations in Tigray on November 4, 2020, saying they came in response to attacks on federal army camps by the party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) EDUARDO SOTERAS / AFP

Veteran China journalist Mark K. Magsted’s documentary podcast series “On China’s Silk Road” featured an in-depth analysis in its latest episode, posted on Friday, about Chinese investments in Ethiopia and the new risks presented by the conflict in the Tigray region:

“So Chinese and other companies in Chinese-built industrial parks can send their goods on a Chinese-built train to a Chinese-built port. Ethiopians get jobs, a chance to build skills and diversify the economy. And China gets a presence in the strategically vital Horn of Africa. As China’s leaders like to say – it’s a win-win.

But Ethiopia is still a volatile place, with many ethnic and political rivalries. And one just turned hot again, in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray. That’s included airstrikes against the local Tigrean militia, which attacked a government military base.”

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

Aubrey Hruby: Africa Already is a Battleground in the U.S.-China Trade War

A Lead the Conversation on China Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to ...

New Research Aims to Debunk Misperceptions About Chinese Investment in Ethiopia

One of the common misperceptions about Chinese investment in Africa is there’s no difference between state-owned and private companies. In many instances, they’re referred to simply as “Chinese” companies without understanding that there ...

Ethiopia Shows Off New Chinese and Turkish Drones 

The Ethiopian military showed off what appear to be two newly-acquired attack drones, a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and a Chinese-manufactured Wing Loong 1. The two drones ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.