Biden Changes U.S. Stance on Africa With an Eye on China Rivalry
WASHINGTON – When Donald Trump looked at Africa, he crudely dismissed its significance and fretted African immigrants would never “go back to their huts” once they entered the United States.
But under President Joe Biden, the outlook towards Africa is shifting. He sees opportunities to curb China’s growing influence in the world. With a continent home to a rapidly growing population and potentially important geopolitical partner.
Biden has sought to move beyond Trump’s dismissive and confrontational approach towards Africa, stating, “Our eyes are fixed squarely on the future,” to a small group of African leaders in Washington last year.
However, beneath the words lies a more strategic reason for the shift in U.S.-Africa policy – “It’s about China,” said Mark Green, former ambassador to Tanzania and president of the Wilson Center, a nonpartisan think tank that focuses on global affairs, where great power competition is at play.
China, an economic and military rival of the United States, has made significant gains in Africa over the past two decades. Their trade with Africa far surpasses the U.S. and they are the largest provider of foreign direct investment on the continent.
Additionally, China has been pushing to establish a military base on Africa’s western coast – a particular concern for the U.S. administration.
As the historic meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping unfolded, the two had conversations about the competition between their countries “not veering into conflict,” and ensuring candid exchange. However, the newest arena in the competition between the two economic giants – Africa – was left unacknowledged.
Biden has stated intentions to visit Africa as part of a strategic relationship-building effort, furthering America’s commitment to deepening its ties to the continent. However, limited funding from the U.S. private sector for African initiatives is currently a barrier.
