China and South Africa’s new blossoming relationship is a unique and complicated case study demonstrating the constantly shifting global dynamics. Although South Africa is one of Africa’s largest economies, according to the BBC, the nation has turned to China for economic support and investment, viewing it as a vital ally in addressing South Africa’s current economic challenges. Conversely, China views South Africa as a gateway to the African continent and all its resources. However, some are wary of this relationship based on fears regarding economic dependency and political manipulation.
BRICS, an alliance formed between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa has only helped China solidify its position as a key economic partner for South Africa. China has pledged substantial investments in South Africa, the most recent example being Chinese President Xi Jinping promising 50 billion dollars and one million jobs in Africa over 30 years according to Reuters. The financial investment is expected to boost South Africa’s economy, especially in light of the country’s largest challenges such as infrastructure deficits and power outages.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that South Africa mainly exports primary goods such as minerals and agricultural products to China while importing secondary goods. This has led to concerns about the trade imbalance and South Africa falling into a significant deficit or “debt trap diplomacy”. Debt trap diplomacy is a relationship where an economically powerful nation will provide a lower-income country with more money, which the lower-income country can not pay back, therefore “trapping” them. This is a popular term when discussing China’s lending practices in the African continent, and often results in portraying China as a predator. However, this belief largely oversimplifies the actual issues with Chinese funding, according to a study by Oxford Analytica. Although China is often villainized and seen as trapping African nations, Chinese loans only account for roughly 20% of Africa’s external debt. Alongside that, a lot of Chinese-funded projects battle inflated costs and other issues due to a lack of transparency and oversight. These factors often lead to economically irrational projects.
Although South Africa and China’s partnership appears to be mainly economically focused, there are political aspects to the alliance. In a statement on 2 Sept. 2024, Ramaphosa released a statement expressing agreement with China’s One-China Policy, which recognizes Taiwan as a part of the People’s Republic of China and not as a sovereign state. This has raised concerns however about the potential degradation of South Africa’s democratic values since there may be greater Chinese influence over South African political affairs. There have also been reports that China has had involvement in South Africa’s military operations according to Military Africa, with both nations’ militaries having joint training sections and other activities. Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy has also met with China’s defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun in Beijing to strengthen both countries’ navies. There are fears that this collaboration will instead turn into a case of interdependence, which could compromise South Africa’s sovereignty.
China and South Africa’s new relationship has the potential to catalyze significant economic growth and development in South Africa, but it also has the potential to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and democratic values. It is therefore crucial for the South African government to attempt a balanced approach that would reap the benefits of Chinese investment while also safeguarding the nation’s interests.
Written by Dorine Benedict
