Fact-Checking International Media Coverage of Biden's Africa Tour
The China in Africa Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Joe Biden visit Angola and Cabo Verde?
Biden visited Angola and Cabo Verde to lay out an expansive vision for U.S. foreign policy towards Africa, including increased funding for climate change mitigation, humanitarian assistance, and new infrastructure development. It was also a symbolic visit to show he was fulfilling his promise to visit Africa.
Why did the U.S. and European media focus on China during Biden's Africa visit?
The media framed Biden's visit as part of a larger great power struggle with China, focusing on the U.S. effort to curtail Beijing's influence on the continent. This narrative was fed by background briefings from the White House that included insinuations about Chinese lending practices and debt traps.
Why is the Lobito Corridor significant for the U.S. and Africa?
The Lobito Corridor is significant as a U.S. infrastructure project that aims to facilitate the transport of minerals from Zambia and the DRC to the port of Lobito in Angola. However, it was originally a Trafigura project, and the U.S. joined later. The corridor is not a direct challenge to China, as Chinese companies are still involved and benefit from it.
Why did African media have limited coverage of Biden's visit?
African media had limited coverage partly because there was a default assumption that Biden's initiatives might not come through under the incoming Trump administration. This lack of interest also reflects the high cost of sending reporters and the reliance on international wire services.
Why is the debt trap narrative problematic in the context of China's involvement in Africa?
The debt trap narrative, which suggests that China's lending practices plunge African countries into unsustainable debt, is problematic because it is often based on incorrect assumptions. For example, Chinese loans typically have lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared to Eurobonds and private creditors. Additionally, many defaults in African countries have been due to private creditor debt, not Chinese loans.
Why did the Chinese media have minimal coverage of Biden's visit?
Chinese media outlets such as CGTN had minimal coverage of Biden's visit, likely because they see the U.S. visit as not significant enough to challenge China's established presence in Africa. China's policy towards Africa focuses on practical engagement and development, and a single U.S. visit is not seen as a game changer.
Why is there limited U.S. investment in Africa despite the rhetoric?
Despite rhetoric, U.S. investment in Africa has been limited. U.S. direct investment in Africa peaked in 2014 at $69 billion and has since declined to $45 billion. American companies have shown less interest in African deals compared to Chinese and other international players, making the U.S. a minor investor in the region.
Why might the Trump administration continue to support the Lobito Corridor?
The Trump administration might continue to support the Lobito Corridor for pragmatic business reasons, despite their ideological stance against China. However, this support could be limited to the core infrastructure project, with ancillary initiatives like agri-tech and mobile connectivity potentially being cut.
Why is the concept of internal affairs important in the context of U.S. and Chinese engagement in Africa?
The concept of internal affairs is significant because Chinese engagement in Africa is often framed as non-interfering, allowing African countries more sovereignty. In contrast, Western engagement, particularly from the U.S., often comes with conditions and pressure on issues like human rights and LGBT rights, which can be seen as interference.
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