President Xi Jinping said during a summit in Beijing on Thursday that China would work with Africa on nuclear technology and space exploration while stating that “no country should be left behind” on the path to modernization. The president announced this during his opening ceremony speech at the recently concluded 2024 Summit of the FOCAC.
Jinping to Export “Peaceful” Nuclear Tech to Africa
Jinping explained to the China-Africa forum that China will export “the peaceful use of nuclear technology” by establishing together 30 joint laboratories in the region. Meanwhile, China will collaborate with Africa on “satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration” to promote green development. Over 20 heads of state and governments attended the Summit.
It’s unclear whether China will build nuclear power plants in Africa. Additionally, China’s president spoke of promoting China-Africa’s “strategic relations” to an “all-weather partnership,” a term the Asian giant uses to describe its close ties with Pakistan.
The 2024 FOCAC summit didn’t include any large investment pledges by China, with experts linking the development to China’s recent economic crisis. Unlike in 2015 and 2018 when XI pledged $60 billion, and in 2021 when he pledged $40 billion, China offered to implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects on African military fronts.
Speaking on China’s long-term focus on Africa, Liselotte Odgaard, a senior fellow at Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute, said the country aims to “build political relations and listen to the views and interests of African elites which were not a high priority for most Western countries,” rather than see the region as a source of “strategic resources.”
China’s growing influence has jolted the West, as various Western countries are building similar partnerships with the region. However, the question remains on how impactful such seemingly “reactionary” actions will have on diminishing China’s presence in Africa.
Stay informed with the latest news and technology trends by visiting 365marktech.africa.
