Although Russia and China are evidently working together on certain issues in Africa, the general difference between their approaches is clear. Chris Miller, Director of the FPRI’s Eurasia Program and Samuel Ramani, DPhil candidate at the University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations shared their views during a discussion last week hosted by FPRI “The Growth of Russian Influence in Africa”.
Observing the cards that the two countries are playing in Africa, experts highlight China’s persistence on the long-term strategic policy of gaining a bigger economic footprint without military or political interference. According to Chris, China does not show particular support for any political party or a leader and is mainly focused on strengthening economic ties with African states.
In 2018, Chinese trade with the continent rose by 19.7% reaching $200 billion, which is 10 times as much as Africa's trade with Russia ($20 billion). During that same year, China’s investments on the continent reached $5.4 billion.
In 2000-2018, China extended $148 billion of loans to Africa, states the China-Africa Research Initiative. In 2018, its trade with the continent rose by 19.7% reaching $200 billion, which is 10 times as much as Africa’s trade with Russia ($20 billion). During that same year, China’s investments on the continent reached $5.4 billion.
Though Russia does not have such an influential economic card to play, it is successful in military and security cooperation: it is proactive in many ways via PMC’s (Private Military Companies), decades of providing arms supplies and military training. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, during 2015-2019 Africa has imported 49% of its military equipment from Russia, which is nearly twice the shared volume of supplies from the USA (14%) and China (13%).
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, during 2015-2019 Africa has imported 49% of its military equipment from Russia, which is nearly twice the shared volume of supplies from the USA (14%) and China (13%).
One of the bases of its policy is long-term relations with most African countries, which has now lasted for decades because “Russia never really left Africa.” Another of Russia’s major investments is its reliance on the elite, states Samuel Ramani.
China is a strategic competitor for the USA in Africa, while Russia is a security threat. The key to success for the USA, is to show the continent we care about them. By winning hearts and minds through the use of investments in soft power and diplomatic engagement.
Samuel Ramani, DPhil candidate at the University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations
However, Chris prefers referring to Russia in Africa as a “security challenge” rather than a “security threat” compared to the other threats the USA faces. “When I think of a threat Russia poses, I think of its nuclear powers far ahead of when I think of its military forces in Africa,” he smiles.