On June 4th, in the afternoon of Wednesday, according to the Eastern Time Zone, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to examine the malignant influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Africa. The hearing was broadcast live online with real-time translation subtitles by New Tang Dynasty and Epoch Times.
The United States government has been increasingly concerned about China’s expanding presence in Africa, viewing it as a threat to American interests in the region. The Senate hearing aimed to shed light on China’s activities in Africa and its potential impacts on the continent’s political, economic, and social landscape.
During the hearing, a number of experts and witnesses testified about various aspects of China’s engagement in Africa, including its infrastructure projects, economic investments, and political influence. Concerns were raised about China’s debt-trap diplomacy, exploitation of natural resources, and support for authoritarian regimes in Africa.
One of the key points discussed was China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has been criticized for creating debt burdens for African countries and undermining their sovereignty. The experts emphasized the need for the US to counter China’s influence in Africa by offering alternative development assistance and promoting transparency and good governance.
The discussion also touched on China’s military presence in Africa, particularly its support for security forces in countries with poor human rights records. Questions were raised about the implications of China’s military activities for regional stability and the potential for conflict with US interests in the region.
The hearing underscored the intensifying competition between the US and China for influence in Africa, highlighting the strategic importance of the continent in the geopolitics of the 21st century. The United States is seeking to strengthen partnerships with African countries to counter China’s efforts to expand its global influence.
The live stream of the Senate hearing can be accessed at the following links:
Epoch Times: https://youtube.com/live/fjXvhGYdoUs
New Tang Dynasty: https://youtube.com/live/Bmclm1OahD8
Clean World: https://www.ganjingworld.com/live/1hmo5eqnsu03o2PdmvRCpzW5Y1up1c
The discussion at the hearing highlighted the complexity and significance of the US-China rivalry in Africa and the challenges it poses for American foreign policy. As tensions between the two global powers continue to escalate, Africa has emerged as a key battleground for influence and competition.