As US pursues mine deals, Xi warns African resources are not tools for ‘rivalry’
Quick Look
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against using Africa's resources for geopolitical rivalry during a meeting with Botswana's President Duma Boko in Beijing, stating China will help increase mining value chains.
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Why It Matters
The US is stepping up efforts to secure critical minerals in Africa, where Chinese companies have major mining interests.
The long-term viability of China-Africa ties relies on the continent gaining more value from its resources, analysts say
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that Africa’s resources should not be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalry, as the United States steps up efforts to secure critical minerals on a continent where Chinese companies have major mining interests.
“Africa’s resources belong to Africa,” Xi told Botswana’s President Duma Boko in Beijing on Tuesday, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
He said it was a “historical injustice” that an unfair international division of labour had left the continent at the bottom of industrial and value chains, according to state broadcaster CCTV, adding that China would help make development plans for Africa’s mining sector that involved greater added value.
Xi said China would be glad to see other parties providing genuine support for Africa’s development, and would work to create more favourable conditions for business investment and operation, Xinhua reported.
Open Questions
- What specific development plans will China create for Africa's mining sector?
- How will the US respond to Xi's remarks?
