The Incredible Shrinking Africa-China Relationship

China's President Xi Jinping (front C) walks with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (front L), Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (middle row 2nd L), Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe (middle row L) and other African leaders after a group photo session during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing on September 3, 2018. HOW HWEE YOUNG / POOL / AFP

After 2022’s COVID lockdowns, this year saw a return of China to the international stage. With it came prominent Africa-China events, notably the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and the prominent presence of some African leaders at the Belt and Road Forum in October.

Solely based on headlines, the relationship seems to be creeping back to its pre-pandemic levels.

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by Cobus van Staden

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