Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Don’t Write Off China’s Medical Diplomacy in Africa Just Because Nigeria Isn’t Happy About It

by Eric Olander
Medical protective gear donated by China arriving at Accra's international airport in Ghana. These safety materials will be distributed to 18 African countries. Photo via Chinese embassy in Ghana Twitter.

There’s no doubt that the tremendous backlash against the plan to send an 18-person Chinese medical team to Nigeria is catching Beijing off guard. After all, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. In Italy and Serbia, Chinese medical staff were received like heroes coming to save the day.

That’s definitely not the case in Nigeria, where politicians, doctors, journalists, and others have all voiced their strenuous opposition. It’s the same on social media where thousands have registered their unfiltered anger over what they perceive as an insult to Nigeria’s national pride.

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

Why Are so Many Nigerian Doctors and Journalists Upset About a Chinese Medical Team Coming to Advise on COVID-19?

Unlike Chinese aid which was gladly received by the Nigerian government and Nigerians, the public reaction to the news of Chinese medical experts coming to Nigeria is a different story. Last Friday, the ...

Amid Mounting Fury Over the Arrival of a Chinese Medical Team, Nigerian Leaders Agree to Some Ground Rules

New ground rules have been set for the 18-member Chinese medical team that is expected to arrive in Nigeria sometime this week to help the country combat the spread of COVID-19. Speaker of ...

Will Chinese-Made COVID-19 Vaccines Find Acceptance in Nigeria?

It is widely accepted that vaccination is one of the most important achievements in public health. Yet, in the face of this ‘consensus’, vaccines are constantly challenged by individuals and groups on religious, and even ...

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.