The China in Africa Podcast SupChina

African countries are increasingly being drawn into the escalating U.S.-China conflict.

The Chinese definition of journalism is significantly different than that in most of Africa and for much of the rest of the world. Most importantly, the news media in China is tightly controlled by the communist party and, as such, is not afforded the kind of editorial independence that newspapers, radio and other news outlets enjoy in other countries. 

But beyond the obvious political censorship, the Chinese have a different understanding of journalism’s role in society. Rather than serve in an investigative or adversarial role, the media in China is expected to be solutions oriented in its reporting. The concept, known as “constructive journalism,” is not unique to China as it’s also practiced in some European countries as well but it’s more pervasive there than anywhere else in the world.

Professor Zhang Yanqiu, director of the Africa Communication Research Center at the Communication University of China, is one of China’s foremost scholars in “constructive journalism” and joins Eric & Cobus to discuss whether or not she feels the model is applicable in Africa.

China’s growing peace and security role in Africa: Views from West Africa, implications for Europe

The Nigerian government launches a crackdown against illegal Chinese mining.

What's next for the once high-flying Chinese-owned start-up OPay in Nigeria and will Huawei's setbacks in Europe have any impact on its business in Africa?

The U.S. and China compete for influence in the increasingly volatile Red Sea region.