Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

China’s Emerging Ukraine Posture Taps into Western Challenges in the Global South

by Cobus van Staden
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking alongside Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra where the two articulated broad policy alignment regarding the war in Ukraine. Image via Xinhua.

This weekend, Chinese leaders embarked on a diplomatic blitz. President Xi Jinping had a call with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, and during the weekend, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with counterparts from Zambia, Algeria, and Tanzania.

It’s no surprise that Ukraine featured prominently in these discussions. In fact, these meetings represent more than China’s usual African engagement. We’re arguably seeing a glimmer of how Beijing is repositioning itself in relation to the Ukraine crisis, and that it will crucially involve the Global South. This repositioning has three aspects:

…

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More

You Might Like

Africa, Latin America and the Active Non-Alignment Option

By Jorge Heine Seventeen African countries, most prominently South Africa, abstained in the United Nations General Assembly vote from condemning Russia for invading Ukraine and demanding Moscow stop fighting and withdraw its military forces. Many more ...

Why Did 25 African Countries Sidestep the UN’s Vote on Ukraine?

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to censure Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The majority of African countries were part of the 141 states demanding an end to Russian ...

Can Beijing Get Away With Hedging in Ukraine?

By Lukas Fiala Horrific images and stories of violence and destruction have reached us from Ukraine this week as Russia’s invasion is rapidly turning into a massive humanitarian crisis. While all eyes are rightfully on ...

What is The China-Africa Project?

Independent

The CAP 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-Africa stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalist and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Africa discourse.

Networking

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

Subscribe