The Hindu Newspaper Analysis
Editorial Topic : Panoramic View of the 2024 China-Africa Summit: Key Insights and Takeaways
GS-2 Mains Exam : IR
Revision Notes
Context:
- The recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Beijing highlights China’s increasing engagement with Africa, offering insights and implications for India’s own approach toward the continent.
Introduction
- Africa is central to China’s foreign policy in the 21st century. FOCAC has become a vital platform for China-Africa dialogue, with both sides finding mutual benefits despite Africa’s occasional grievances.
- African countries are increasingly comfortable dealing with China, marking a shift from previous decades.
- The 2024 FOCAC summit offers key outcomes and learnings for India.
Birth and Growth of FOCAC
- Foundation of FOCAC: China laid the groundwork for its relationship with Africa in the late 20th century, leading to the first FOCAC summit in 2000 in Beijing.
- Summits and continuity: FOCAC has since held five summits in Beijing and one each in Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal. The 2024 summit in Beijing continues China’s consistent engagement with Africa.
- Strategic importance: China views Africa as vital to the future of global politics and economics, reinforcing the importance of their partnership.
Key Elements from the Beijing Declaration
- Six Key Sections:
- Focus on ‘China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.’
- Promoting synergy between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), AU’s Agenda 2063, and the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Integration of China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
- Governance and Modernization:
- The summit stressed modernizing based on their own civilizational traits and expanding exchanges on governance and poverty reduction.
- Support for an inclusive economic globalization model that addresses Africa’s specific concerns.
- Influence in Global Governance:
- China supports Africa’s increased role in global governance and was the first to endorse AU’s membership in the G20.
- Partnership for Development:
- China hailed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and aims to sign an economic partnership framework with Africa.
- Debt Responsibility Shift:
- China shifted responsibility for debt treatment to international financial institutions and creditors.
Security and Cultural Initiatives
- Security Commitments: China emphasized UN funding for African peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and maritime security. GDI, GSI, and GCI are now embedded in China-Africa security and development strategies.
- Cultural Exchange: There is a focus on deepening dialogue among cultures and civilizations for shared security and growth.
Key Outcomes and Forward-Looking Statements
- Transfer of FOCAC Leadership: Senegal has passed the FOCAC co-chair role to the Republic of the Congo, and the next summit is scheduled for 2027 in Congo.
Familiar Rhetoric Beneath the Surface
- Repetition of Past Announcements: The media focused on President Xi Jinping’s keynote address, which largely followed the same template from previous summits.
- New Financial Offerings: China offered $51 billion in soft loans, grants, and investments to African nations, continuing its pattern of large financial promises.
- 10 Partnership Actions: Xi reiterated partnerships in trade connectivity, green development, health, and industrial chain cooperation, similar to earlier announcements.
- Training Initiatives: China pledged 60,000 training opportunities for women and youth, along with training 7,000 military and police personnel. However, implementation remains opaque.
- Zero Tariff for LDCs: A new decision was the zero-tariff treatment for all 33 least developed African countries, covering 100% tariff lines, potentially boosting African exports to China.
Multi-Dimensional China-Africa Cooperation
- Chinese View: China-Africa relations are seen as a natural partnership. China’s development model offers an alternative to Western modernisation, resonating with Africa.
- African View: While Africa acknowledges the benefits, there’s caution about the donor-recipient dynamic where China often sets the agenda.
- U.S. Perspective: Critics like Michael Schuman argue China’s strategy is shaped by anti-Americanism and aims to create a Global South coalition to counterbalance the U.S.
- European Perspective: European leaders advise against viewing China’s role in Africa in simple terms, recognizing both positive contributions and growing influence.
Key Takeaways for India
- Consistency in Engagement:
- India must consistently engage with Africa at the highest political levels, similar to China’s steadfast approach. India’s last Africa-centric summit was in 2015, and nearly a decade of inactivity has followed.
- Financial Generosity and Resources:
- Strong historical ties and cultural connections alone won’t suffice. India needs to commit significant financial resources to match China’s economic investments in Africa.
- Africa in India’s Diplomatic Priorities:
- India’s diplomatic focus on Africa should be elevated. Political will must align with Africa’s growing global importance and India’s long-term strategic interests.
- Learning from China’s Model:
- India can learn from China’s approach in building trade, infrastructure, and strategic alliances with Africa. However, it must avoid replicating the donor-recipient dynamic that China’s engagement sometimes fosters.
Conclusion
- The 2024 FOCAC summit serves as a reminder for India to prioritize Africa and re-engage the continent with renewed energy.
- Political Will and Financial Commitment: India must translate its historical and cultural ties into tangible actions backed by stronger political will and financial commitment.
- Global Power Dynamics: Africa is gaining prominence in global power structures, and India must ensure it builds a strong and sustained relationship with African nations in light of China’s strategic influence.
The Hindu Newspaper Analysis
Editorial Topic : UAE-India Ties: Rooted in Affinity, Trust, and Respect
GS-2 Mains Exam : IR
Revision Notes
Introduction
- Deep-Rooted Relationship: UAE-India relationship is strengthened by historical connections.
- Sheikh Khaled’s Visit: Symbolic visit to Rajghat and planting of a tree.
Historical and Deep-Rooted Relationship
- Three Generations of Leaders: Trees planted by three generations symbolize the enduring relationship.
- Diverse Countries: Despite differences in population, economy, and governance, strong ties exist.
- Shared Values: Common interests and values enrich the relationship.
Deep Connections of People and Progress
- Mutual Respect: Relationship based on affinity, trust, and respect.
- Historical Trade Links: Trade connections dating back thousands of years.
- Archaeological Evidence: Pottery discovered in Abu Dhabi indicates early connections.
- Medical Treatment: Many Emiratis traveled to India for medical treatment.
Strength of the Expatriate Community
- Largest Expatriate Community: Over 3.5 million Indians in the UAE.
- Tolerance and Inclusion: UAE’s commitment to tolerance and empowerment of women and minorities.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Strong connectivity with over 1,500 flights per week.
- Partnership and Collaboration: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.
- Increased Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade increased by over 15% in the first year of CEPA.
- Educational Connect: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi established.
- Mutual Agreements: Cooperation agreements on health innovation, renewable energy, and civil nuclear technology.
Conclusion
- Flourishing Partnership: UAE-India relationship is rooted in trust, stability, and opportunity.
- Shared Values: Mutual affinity and respect are key to the relationship’s success.
- Continuous Growth: The partnership will continue to grow and innovate.
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