Catch Africa... US-China's 21st Century Great Game

A new 'Great Game' is unfolding across Africa, with the United States and China vying for control over the continent's vast mineral wealth, essential for the 21st-century technological revolution. Hankyoreh reports on the intensifying competition, particularly in the 'Copper Belt' region encompassing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, where critical minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium are abundant.

The U.S. is making a concerted push to break China's near-monopoly over these resources. Historically, China has dominated African mining, investing heavily in infrastructure and securing access to raw materials through initiatives like the Belt and Road. For instance, China's involvement in the Tazara Railway and its extensive financing of mining operations have cemented its influence for decades. However, the U.S. is now countering with strategic partnerships and significant investments. A recent example is the U.S. backing of a private consortium's acquisition of mining rights in the DRC, aiming to divert a portion of the cobalt and copper supply away from China.

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The U.S. is trying to break China's hold on Africa's mineral supply chains.

This U.S. strategy includes not only direct investment but also the promotion of alternative infrastructure projects, such as the Lobito Atlantic Railway. This project aims to connect Zambia and the DRC to the Atlantic coast in Angola, providing a crucial alternative export route that bypasses traditional Chinese-controlled channels. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and private investors are channeling substantial funds into these ventures, signaling a long-term commitment to reshaping the continent's resource landscape.

From an African perspective, this escalating U.S.-China rivalry presents both opportunities and challenges. While the competition can drive up the value of their resources and potentially lead to better deals, there's also a risk of becoming pawns in a larger geopolitical struggle. African nations, like the DRC, are navigating this complex environment, seeking to maximize their benefits while maintaining their sovereignty. The article notes that unlike the U.S.'s focus on immediate resource acquisition, China has historically adopted a more comprehensive approach, investing in infrastructure, job creation, and long-term relationships, which has often been viewed more favorably on the ground. The challenge for the U.S. will be to prove itself a reliable and beneficial partner, moving beyond transactional resource deals to foster sustainable development.

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African nations are leveraging the competition between the US and China to increase their own value.