Nov 10, 2016

The International Criminal Court faces an issue of legitimacy as the Nations of South Africa, Gambia, and Burundi announces their withdrawal from the institution. This move was endorsed by China, and came after allegations of the courts acting in Western interest. China should cut off its ties to Burundi and Gambia, minor players on the African and international chessboards of diplomacy, and chastise South Africa – not sanction their inexcusable errors. Additionally, the ICC is the only method of war crimes prosecution; so challenging it is potentially dangerous to the system of international law, the success of future cases, and the security of nations.

Oct 20, 2016

Zimbabwe’s Central Mashonaland province once produced abundant quantities of high-quality tobacco. Production then dropped heavily when Zimbabwean politicians took control of the farms and neglected the lands. But this may change, as Mugabe recently leased five large farms in the area to Chinese entrepreneurs. This development may increase tobacco production and help uplift the local economy.

Aug 24, 2016

China is South Sudan’s last best hope. Given the interminable bloodletting and brutal fratricide that engulfs Africa’s youngest nation, and given the inability of the African Union and United States to broker an effective peace, intervention and assistance by China may provide South Sudan with its only viable lifeline.

Aug 01, 2016

Without Chinese help, sub-Saharan Africa’s power drought, its daily blackouts, and its ability to attract foreign investment would suffer. Fortunately, China is providing an essential part of the answer in terms of actual construction of new facilities and the finance that will present Africa new supplies to power and upgrade infrastructure.

Apr 09, 2016

Effectively reducing the killing of African elephants and rhinoceroses depends more on curbing the foreign demand for tusks and horn than on localized national endeavors to combat poachers. China is cooperating with African nations, but more must be done to abate the cultural appetite for ivory.

Mar 31, 2016

In mid-March, Mainland China and the Gambia re-opened official links that had been severed since 1995 when the Gambia recognized the Republic of China (Taiwan) instead of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). China will have undoubted leverage for boosting the Gambia’s economic growth.

Jan 06, 2016

China offered a $60 billion package to support African development; individual Africans, especially those who are invited to train in China and those who Chinese technicians will assist in Africa, are sure to have their prospects enhanced.

Dec 02, 2015

Since the 1990’s, Sam Pa subsequently amassed a huge fortune by helping shady African autocrats sell their petroleum and minerals to China. Sam Pa was most of all a source of “rents” for several dozen corrupt politicians and officials in the resource-rich areas of Africa. However, Sam Pa’s arrest last month has put an end to his corruption.

Nov 03, 2015

At the Second Ministerial Forum on China-Africa Health Development, China announced plans to construct 100 new hospitals and clinics across Africa. With Africa having one of the world’s most poorly regulated health systems, China hopes to improve the continent’s living conditions through a stronger Chinese presence in Africa’s medical field.

Oct 08, 2015

China surprised President Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Sept. 28 by promising to create an 8,000 strong standby peacekeeping brigade for use on the African Continent, which should reinforce its desire to be a responsible global power.