International Insights on Two Sessions
The just-concluded sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), known as Two Sessions, represent excellent opportunities to observe how China functions. During the events, five African experts shared with ChinAfrica their perspectives on topics of their interest, excerpts of which follow.
Engine of Development
Gert Grobler, Former South African Ambassador and Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Africa Studies, Zhejiang Normal University
The Two Sessions are not only the most important political event in China, but its deliberations and outcomes are also keenly watched worldwide.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s contribution to the world economic growth has reached 30 percent. People across the globe are watching how the Communist Party of China and President Xi will respond to and deal with the challenges emanating from a complex and uncertain international situation.
If one looks at China’s foreign policy, it’s all about international cooperation. Its essence lies in dealing with problems and conflicts through negotiation and seeking peace through dialogue. China is, in this context, an extremely strong supporter of the United Nations, its principles, and multilateralism.
China will, through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative, and BRICS, continue to play a very important role in working towards peace, stability, economic growth, and development globally. This is one of the reasons why so many countries are closely watching what is happening in China, especially during the Two Sessions.
A Platform That Benefits Africa
Charles Onunaiju, Director, Centre for China Studies, Abuja, Nigeria
The Two Sessions offer a glimpse into China’s economic direction and, as key partners of China, it is important for African countries to pay attention to and examine the outcomes of the meetings.
The uniqueness of China’s political system lies in the fact that institutions function not only as the structural expression of broadly shared values within society, but also reflect the common consensus and aspirations for a better life for all, enabling both citizen participation and leaders’ responsibility and accountability. When institutions are based on broadly shared values, they become a potent force for national development.
The holding of the sessions demonstrates China’s home-grown initiative and wisdom in design, own, and uphold its institutions rooted in its own experience, national conditions, and social reality.
The all-weather partnership between China and Africa has prioritised economic cooperation, governance experience-sharing, and international cooperation. Vigorous mutual learning would help to uncover vital truths that would enrich each other’s perspectives in their respective endeavours for modernisation, especially in the new era.
In the Driver’s Seat
Dennis Munene, Executive Director, China-Africa Centre, Africa Policy Institute, Kenya
China’s economy has enjoyed spectacular growth for more than four decades. However, pressure to boost domestic demand is inevitable. China has also faced challenges related to the real estate market. However, the country knows how to overcome challenges.
Conversely, the US has been at the forefront of curtailing China’s growth and development, imposing significant tariffs on imports from China. Despite the many challenges, China has not been swayed by external pressures. China remains a proponent of globalisation and open trade. This has prompted many countries, including those from the continent of Africa, to enhance trade with China.
China’s approach to global economic governance has introduced new dimensions to international cooperation, advocating for a fair and inclusive global trade system. By fostering open trade policies and engaging in multilateral economic partnerships, China continues to influence the direction of global governance frameworks, ensuring broader participation from developing economies.
China has also pushed for multilateralism. The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 show that China is also reshaping the global system and advancing the interests of the Global South.
Western Isolationism and China’s Response
George Musiime, Research Fellow, Development Watch Centre, Uganda
Since the start of its “going global” strategy in March 2000, China has pursued a more open approach to cooperation, backed by the aspiration for common prosperity. Needless to say, this has not been without resistance. Indeed, there has been a wave of anxiety-driven economic policies in the West, particularly in the US.
China has grown into Africa’s largest and Latin America’s second-largest trading partner. This was a key factor behind the Biden administration’s decision to double tariffs on semiconductors, steel, and aluminium products, and raise electric vehicle tariffs from 25 percent to 100 percent, as well as behind the subsequent tariffs imposed by the new Trump administration. These policies, coming from the vanguard of free markets, are clearly rooted more in anxiety than in strategy.
While the West pursues repressive and isolationist economic policies, China is doing the exact opposite: renewing commitments to old and agreeing to new free trade area pacts.
In summary, as the West locks itself up in silos, China has continued to build resilient global trade systems, steadily advancing common prosperity and building a global community of humankind with a shared future.
How China Can Help Africa
Efem Nkam Ubi, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
China undeniably has a strong commitment to continuously opening up its economy. As an African, I would like to suggest three specific sectors that could significantly contribute to the economic growth and development of African countries.
First, trade and foreign investment have been crucial in Africa-China relations over the years. This has not only increased revenues for many African countries but has also provided them with opportunities for trade diversification.
Second, infrastructure development is another area where greater cooperation could benefit African nations. While China has made considerable contributions to infrastructure in Africa, there is still much for Africa to learn from China’s approach to infrastructure development and green urbanisation.
Lastly, I hope China will expand its opening up in the realm of “new quality productive forces” through scientific and technological innovation. This is an area where Africa is currently lagging and will require China’s cooperation to enhance its technology skills, digital sector, and overall economy. Future cooperation could focus on China’s new energy industries, the green transition, as well as artificial intelligence and robotics.
