Episode 9.1 Understanding China’s Foreign Policy and the African Debt-Crisis Narratives of Asia

The African debt crisis is often featured prominently within the China-Africa discourse but what does the term ‘debt crisis’ actually refer to? Being one of African governments’ largest creditor amassed from lending over the past two decades, China has invested in Africa more than any other government around the world and its investment is portrayed as a practice of ‘debt-trap’ diplomacy. 

Exploring the impact of Chinese investment on Africa’s infrastructural development, this episode engages with various interpretations of China’s investment in Africa, China’s practice of ‘debt-trap’ diplomacy and further contemplates the degree to which China is ‘good’ for Africa’s economy. From discussing the role of African governments’ acceptance of Chinese loans to China’s foreign policy towards Africa, join our moderator, Angela, and Min Jing, a writer from UCL Asiatic Affairs, together with Hafsa, Lisa, Larissa and Stephen from UCL African Conference, in a heated discussion, proffering a comprehensive introduction to current China-Africa relations. 

Music by scottholmesmusic.com