The China-US rivalry over access to Africa’s mineral resources is intensifying. China has established a significant presence through investments, particularly in Angola since 2002. The US and EU aim to revamp the Lobito Corridor to enhance their access to critical minerals, given that Sub-Saharan Africa holds 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. The outcome will influence global supply chains and regional geopolitics significantly.
The intensifying rivalry between China and the United States has significant implications for Africa, particularly concerning access to the continent’s abundant mineral resources. This competition has led to strategic investments in infrastructure to facilitate the transport of critical minerals from Sub-Saharan Africa, which is estimated by the International Monetary Fund to hold 30 percent of the world’s proven reserves. The United States and the European Union are actively involved in transforming the Lobito Corridor, a crucial railway that connects vital economic regions, in order to enhance their access to these resources. China’s engagement in Africa can be traced back to 2002 when the former Angolan president invited Chinese investment after a prolonged civil conflict had ravaged the country’s infrastructure. This initial invitation has blossomed into a significant Chinese presence in the region, particularly concerning the mining and transport of critical minerals, such as cobalt and copper, that are essential for modern technology. As of now, the United States has expressed concern over China’s dominance in securing commodities from developing nations, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to Austin Strange, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong, “A revitalised Lobito Corridor could help improve American and European access to critical minerals.” This sentiment underscores the strategic imperative driving investments in African infrastructure. Given the scale of the investments from the United States and the European Union to rehabilitate the existing Benguela Railway and construct a new railway line through northwestern Zambia, it is evident that these nations aim to significantly bolster supply chains for critical minerals. The outcome of this investment will not only impact their resource acquisition strategies but also shape the broader dynamics of the China-US rivalry in Africa.
The geopolitical landscape in Africa is increasingly influenced by the competition between China and the United States to secure valuable mineral resources. Following the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002, China established a foothold in the region through significant investments that helped rebuild the country’s infrastructure. This engagement has expanded to encompass various sectors, particularly mining, where China has secured considerable market shares. Currently, both China and the United States are vying for control over critical supply chains for minerals endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, which are essential for technology and sustainable energy production.
In conclusion, the rivalry between China and the United States in Africa centers around accessing critical mineral resources imperative for modern economies. The strategic investments in the Lobito Corridor by the US and the European Union signify an effort to counterbalance China’s existing influence in the region. As both powers strengthen their infrastructure initiatives, the outcomes will reshape the framework of geopolitical relations in Africa and influence global supply chains for essential minerals.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
