Author: Cobus van Staden
Dr. Cobus van Staden is an accomplished scholar, journalist, and think tank analyst with more than 20 years of experience in Africa and Asia. Previously, he was the senior China-Africa researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in Johannesburg. Cobus completed his Ph.D. in Japanese studies and media studies at the University of Nagoya in Japan in 2008. He focused on comparisons of Chinese and Japanese public diplomacy in Africa during postdoctoral positions at the University of Stellenbosch and the SARCHI Chair on African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at the University of Johannesburg before joining the Department of Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2013. His academic research focused on media coverage of the China-Africa and Japan-Africa relationships, as well as the use of media in public diplomacy in the Global South.
Related Posts
Unpacking China’s Quest for Digital “Discourse Power”
Perceptions in Beijing that Western powers are trying to constrain its influence is resulting in a concerted focus on building a China-led consensus across the Global South. Under the shorthand of ‘discourse power,’ this involves establishing China as an alternative to the United States in fields crucial ...
How do Africans View Zambia’s Debt Restructuring Deal? Two Researchers Weigh In
This article features back-to-back responses by two African researchers on Zambia's debt restructuring deal. Response 1: By Amodani Gariba Zambia is not in the hot water alone. Several African countries are currently at risk of ...
How do Africans View U.S.-China Tensions over Taiwan? Two Researchers Weigh In
This article features back-to-back responses by two African researchers on United States-China tensions over Taiwan. Response 1: By Christopher Edyegu In retrospect, the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan seems like one ...
DRC Prime Minister to Intervene in Cobalt Dispute
Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will host new negotiations between the state mining company Gecamines and the giant Chinese cobalt miner China Molybdenum (CMOC). The intervention is aimed at breaking the deadlock between the two, due ...
Vietnam Wins as Apple Moves More Production Out of China
Apple is in talks to make Apple Watches and MacBooks in Vietnam for the first time, marking a further win for the Southeast Asian country as the U.S. tech giant looks to diversify production away from China. Earlier this year Apple ...
Is China Planning Bases in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin shot down allegations in the Indian media that China is planning military bases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The issue was raised at a Ministry briefing by a reporter for Agence France Presse, and dismissed summarily:
China and Russia Join Military Skills Contest in Algeria
Soldiers from China and Russia joined counterparts from thirteen other countries in a military skills competition that kicked off this week in Algeria. Participants will compete in activities like parachute jumping, shooting and driving tanks. Other participants include India, Vietnam, Mali, Congo, and Venezuela.
Hunan’s Growing Clout in African Agricultural Trade Now Extends to Honey
The Chinese province of Hunan this week ran online courses in beekeeping and honey processing for African farmers. Hunan is quickly emerging as the world’s most innovative hub for African agricultural trade, with a cocoa trading center, a currency clearing hub and numerous trade deals with different ...
How Transsion Hit the Mobile Jackpot in Africa
The Chinese mobile phone maker Transsion hasn't sold a single phone in China. Yet it posted a $580 million profit last year, largely based on its success in Africa. Through its Itel, Tecno, and Infinix brands, the company currently occupies 47% ...
This Chart May Explain Why the Indian Government is Cracking Down on Chinese Tech Companies
Chinese technology companies all but control the Indian smartphone market which may explain the motivation for New Delhi to try and force some of them to exit the market to make room for domestic competitors.
China More Popular than the United States Across MENA: Poll
The United States is markedly less popular than China in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to a new poll by Arab Barometer. The Princeton University-based public opinion tracker found that perceptions of China ...
India Could Ban Cheap Chinese Phones
The Indian government could push Chinese mobile phone manufacturers out of the lower end of its market, according to a new report by Bloomberg. The possible ban is reportedly aimed at boosting India’s failing domestic phone makers in the lucrative sub-12,000 rupee ($150) sector. ...