Angolan President João Lourenço returned from a three-day visit to China loaded with goodies. He secured an upgrade in diplomatic ties, promises of new investment and, most importantly, a major reduction in monthly debt payments.
Lourenço’s success in China comes as Luanda is also luring massive engagement from the U.S., prompting some observers to suggest that Angola now joins a select group of middle-power states like Vietnam that are strategically benefitting from the rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Also, Eric, Cobus & Geraud discuss Chinese infrastructure spending in the DRC and whether China will benefit after the U.S. was expelled from Niger this week.
Show Notes:
- Reuters: Angola agrees to lower monthly debt payments to China Development Bank
- Bloomberg: DRC Strikes New $7 Billion Mine Road-Financing Deal With China by Michael Kavanagh
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Are South Africa-U.S. Relations At A Turning Point? A Conversation With Naledi Pandor
