A scholar from South Africa has called on African nations to be vigilant and discerning in navigating dual narratives surrounding cooperation between China and Africa.
Speaking in a news program on China Global Television Network (CGTN) broadcast on Monday, David Monyae, Director of Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, pointed out the hypocrisy of Western nations lending money to African countries while simultaneously accusing China of creating a "debt trap."
"We have seen that in the case of Zambia and the negotiations over Zambia's debt. At the end of the day, it was found out it is not China that is a problem in terms of Zambia's debt. It's the very same lenders from the Western world," said Monyae.
He also highlighted the contradiction of Western powers constructing transport corridors for critical minerals while criticizing China's infrastructure projects.
"On infrastructure as well, criticism of China on the one hand, and we see Americans and Europeans building the Lobito Corridor from Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo into Zambia to deal with issues of critical minerals," Monyae said.
Emphasizing the importance of African nations critically evaluating their relationships with both China and Western countries, Monyae stressed the necessity of establishing common standards for engagement.
"There is a need for Africans to take stock and ensure that you close the gap in terms of partnership with China, as well as the Western world, to ensure that there are common standards that are used," said Monyae.
South African academic calls for common standards regarding China-Africa cooperation
