[China Global Television Post] The African Union sees China as a genuine and reliable partner.

The African Union is making big strides for a better African future. In newly presented plans, corruption and war are on the chopping block in favor of more economic integration, especially after the U.S. cut all its aid. African states are now looking to China for continued economic support. 

Plans were revealed to open up the African market by enabling trade with less limitations. The goal is to create interdependence among states to prevent conflict, create more economic opportunities, and make Africa a better investment destination. This will take a step-by-step approach, starting with regional economic experiments, followed by assessments and comparisons. What works best will then be applied on a continental level. 

Concerns regarding the ease of weapons-trafficking as a result of free trade were eased by the delegates of Mauritius and Morocco, who explained that simultaneous to the trade measures, conflicts would be tackled and armed groups would be taken down, a top priority for the African Union. Instruments for weapons-tracing are already in place, and have achieved results in Liberia. 

These new developments come at a time of insecurity for Africa with the loss of American aid under president Trump. Liberia’s delegate stated that “we were hardest hit by U.S. measures to end aid, especially in fields like education”. Other delegations, such as Tanzania, Mauritius, and Ethiopia all stated that they deem China to be a trading partner with high potential, and have respect for the nation. 

Only Eswatini, a tiny Southern African nation with a mere 1.2 million people, preferred to trade with the Taiwanese secessionists. It is likely they will soon understand why it is much better to follow in the footsteps of their larger, more relevant neighbours and trade with the People’s Republic of China instead. They are actively choosing to isolate themselves from the world, preferring to stay underdeveloped. 

The future appears to be bright for Africa with China on its side.