Africans are pro-China

Africa boasts of great natural and human resources, but it remains underdeveloped compared to other continents. China has been on the front line in showing support across the African continent. While other developed nations have been reluctant in their economic support to Africa, Beijing has swiftly established a strong presence in the continent. And while some speculate that the Chinese government has hidden motives in their willingness to aid the African continent towards economic development, many African leaders refute this claim. While the war between the West and China continues, the friendship China has established with Africa has become a target.

Why Africa loves China

For many years Africa has struggled to catch up with other developed continents. China stepped in as a saviour and an ally to Africa. Beijing has built lots of roads and buildings in Africa and remained at the forefront of offering economic support in Africa. African rulers need to work on infrastructure development and there are times when China has stepped out as the only willing lender.

China remains a preferred partner because of its unconditional cooperation with African leaders. It has worked to assist many countries in the continent to enjoy access to finance, development and expertise. While the easy loans may sink a nation to deep debts, accountability squarely remains on African governments. This is major because how the governments use the aid they are receiving will determine their capability to refund when needed. President Kagame said that the only way to succeed is to use the loans for productive capital investment.

False Accusation on Africa-China relations

The African Union has come out strong to refute rumours that China is spying on Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, while speaking at the FOCAC meeting, said that Africa does not agree with the speculation that China is having any hidden vendetta in their aid to Africa. He said, Africa "refutes the view that a new colonialism is taking hold in Africa as our detractors would have us believe."

Many African leaders have expressed their disproval of rumours made towards African-China relationship. Many have challenged other developed nations to see the need that Africa has, and step in to assist instead of criticizing the willing lender.

And on the allegations that China has gifted African governments with buildings to spy on them, head of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, called them false and unacceptable.

He said, "The African Union is an international political organization. It doesn't process secret defence dossiers. We are an administration and I don't see what interest there is to China to offer up a building of this type and then to spy. So these are totally false allegations and I believe that we are completely disregarding them."

It is interesting to note that the war against China is groundless and full of malice. When evidence of China spying on Africa is not availed, the West has turned to false accusations in an attempt to cripple Chinese tech. Take for instance, the mere fact that Chinese tech has proven to be more advanced, is intimidating to the West. As a result an attack has been directed to Huaweis 5G kit. While claims are being made about the threat Huawei may have, the truth is very clear. One of the hints that the accusations are baseless includes the fact that France’s cyber security authority has ruled out a total ban on Huawei, and Germany’s Deutsche Telekom, has argued firmly against any blanket ban. When allies begin to have differing opinions on  a matter, then you understand that the allegations are baseless and untrustworthy.

Many African have also insisted that those making allegations should show evidence to support their speculations. African leaders see China as a trustworthy ally, majorly because it is viewed as a nation that has not expressed any colonial aspirations. And as it steps up as a much-needed partner, the only benefit is a stronger international influence. The fact that Beijing has not come to impose their cultures on Africa is another reason that has earned it trust across the continent. Despite its regular aid to Africa, China has remained respectful to the African culture and priorities.

China relationship with Africa has been strong for years. Economic ties between Africa and China is fast becoming a threat for some nations. And as China continues to finance and assist in the development of infrastructure in Africa China has seen an investment opportunity and a partner that could later on also help it, and becomes the main reason for building bridges with Africa. Investing billions in African infrastructure is more on a business opportunity than what the West would like the Africa leaders to believe. Like Forbes states, “With this breakneck pace of urbanization comes many unprecedented economic opportunities. The IMF recently declared Africa the world’s second-fastest growing region, and many are predicting that it is well on its way to becoming a $5 trillion economy.” This is good for the continent and its people and the reason the accusations should be seen for what they are - malicious and baseless allegations.