Translated by Sama Marwan,
In a move reflecting the escalating tensions in U.S.-African relations, Washington expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata. Pretoria described the decision as unjustified and contrary to diplomatic norms. The move came amid intertwined political and economic disputes, particularly South Africa’s stance on the Palestinian issue and its internal land reform policies. This has raised questions about the future of U.S. influence in Africa, especially as African-Chinese relations continue to grow.
The U.S. decision was not isolated from the broader tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Disputes escalated after South Africa’s government passed a law allowing the state to redistribute farmland, which the U.S. viewed as discriminatory against the white minority. Consequently, Washington applied economic pressure and halted certain financial aid. However, this was not the sole reason for the crisis; tensions spiked further when South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. This move angered Washington, which saw it as a challenge to its key regional ally.
The expulsion of the South African ambassador was merely another episode in the series of U.S. punitive actions against countries that oppose its policies. However, South Africa quickly retaliated, especially under Washington’s escalating policies since Trump’s second term began in January 2025. Pretoria responded by suspending certain economic agreements with Washington, a move that could impact American companies operating in Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa received immediate support from China, which reaffirmed its commitment to standing by Pretoria against Western pressure. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated that China “stands in solidarity with us and is ready to offer support in trade relations and other challenges,” reflecting a strategic shift toward strengthening African-Chinese alliances at the expense of traditional U.S. influence on the continent.
Amid these changes, China’s role in Africa continues to grow as a model of partnership based on equality, mutual benefit, solidarity, cooperation, and shared development interests. This was evident with President Xi Jinping’s launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. Over the past decades, China has expanded its presence in Africa through massive infrastructure investments, energy projects, roads, and ports, along with offering easy financing without political conditions. In contrast, U.S. aid has often been tied to internal policy stipulations, making it less attractive to many African nations seeking independent development.
China has not limited its support to economic assistance but has also played a diplomatic role in enhancing Africa’s global presence. It has backed African demands for UN Security Council reforms and supported their positions on international issues, demonstrating its recognition of the continent’s importance in shaping the new global order. This approach has earned China the trust of many African nations, which increasingly view cooperation with Beijing as an opportunity for sustainable development, free from traditional Western pressures.
China outlined its key principles and objectives toward Africa in the “China’s Africa Policy Document” released in 2006, which includes:
– **Sincerity, friendship, and equality**: China upholds the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respects African countries’ independent choice of development paths, and supports their solidarity for self-strengthening.
– **Mutual benefit and shared prosperity**: China promotes Africa’s economic development and political stability, engaging in various cooperation forms to drive joint prosperity.
– **Mutual support and close coordination**: China strengthens cooperation with Africa in multilateral organizations, such as the UN, advocating for each other’s legitimate demands and urging the global community to focus more on Africa’s peace and development.
– **Learning from each other for joint development**: China and Africa share governance and development experiences, enhance exchanges in science, education, culture, and health, and support African capacity-building efforts while jointly exploring sustainable development paths.
– **One-China policy as the foundation of diplomatic ties**: Beijing considers this policy essential for establishing and developing relations with African nations and appreciates the majority’s commitment to it, rejecting official ties with Taiwan and supporting China’s reunification.
In September 2024, President Xi announced that China would provide 360 billion yuan in financial aid over the next three years, including a 210 billion yuan credit line, 80 billion yuan in various forms of assistance, and at least 70 billion yuan in Chinese investments in Africa to strengthen practical cooperation across sectors.
With diplomatic tensions rising between Washington and several African capitals, signs indicate that Africa is reshaping its alliances based on its own interests rather than external dictates.
Given these transformations, the future may witness further U.S. decline in Africa, while China’s role continues to expand, offering a more balanced partnership that respects national sovereignty. If Washington fails to acknowledge this shift, it may soon find itself sidelined in an increasingly multipolar world that moves beyond American dominance.
