Link to article: https://english.news.cn/20230918/76113db226924da5a4075f811961bbeb/c.html
China has started to build infrastructure and aid for the African country of Zambia. One of the most noteworthy creations China has given Zambia is the “Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station”. China also aided Tanzania as well, creating a railroad called the “Tanzanian Railway”. This railway links Tanzania and Zambia for easier transportation of goods. China has also helped to build airports, milling plants, and plants to aid with fresh water. All of this has made Zambia and China very good allies. The president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, seems pleased stating “his government is committed to further growing the relationship with China.” In return for the infrastructure, Zambia and China signed an agreement to export soybean meal and stevia to China.
China and Zambia have strengthened relationships which is a big deal for both nations. It affects Zambia in the way that they now have access to energy, water, railroads, airports, milling plants, and much more. At a surface level China at least benefits from the import of some of Zambia’s natural resources. However China also benefits from spreading its influence over separate parts of the world. China has showcased that its model of modernization works, this could cause many other countries to want to be like china as well. Countries like Tanzania are already also asking for China’s aid. With more countries that like china, the more voting power china likely has in the UN and foreign affairs. China’s economic influence could also be an issue for countries like the united states of western europe. With america mostly having been in northern Africa, southern Africa could easily fall under China’s influence, in the future this could potentially cause conflict in Africa.
In class we have talked about how relations between nations could be mutually beneficial. This showcases that in the trade of infrastructure for natural materials. The trade benefits both nations, Zambia had no infrastructure and now has some, and China has limited natural resources and now has some. In class we have also talked about the influence of nations, China has spread its influence over Zambia and parts of southern Africa. China’s economical and political ideology could influence the future development of government and economy for countries like Zambia. China also now has potentially more votes in the UN and other foreign affairs.