Africa-China relations could be boosted by the war in Ukraine

This research paper argues that China is leveraging African dissatisfaction with Western paternalism and the current global order to strengthen its relations with African nations during the Ukraine conflict. The author suggests that the war is accelerating a shift toward multipolarity, allowing China to position itself as an alternative partner that respects national autonomy and non-interference, potentially boosting its Global Security Initiative and diplomatic influence across the continent.

• The war in Ukraine is facilitating a geopolitical realignment that may reduce Western dominance and create opportunities for African nations to pursue a multipolar global order. This shift is driven by African countries' desire to avoid being proxies in a 'new Cold War' between Western liberal democracies and a resurgent China and Russia.
• Many African nations are adopting a non-aligned stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, prioritizing dialogue and multilateralism over the adversarial approach and sanctions pushed by the U.S. and European Union. This is exemplified by South Africa's decision to abstain from a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion.
• African hesitance to support Western-led efforts to isolate Russia is partly rooted in concerns over the economic impact of sanctions, specifically regarding food security and the rising costs of fuel and other commodities on the continent.
• China is positioned to mitigate food and fuel crises in Africa by utilizing its dominant role in global supply chains and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) logistics. Because China maintains a 'strategic partnership' with Moscow and opposes Western sanctions, it may be able to supply Russian grains to Africa.
• China is actively aligning its diplomatic rhetoric with African values of non-interference and autonomous decision-making to distinguish itself from Western 'coercive diplomacy'. This includes promoting the idea that dialogue and negotiation are the only fundamental solutions to international hotspots.
• Perceptions of Western hypocrisy regarding international law and humanitarian crises have eroded Western influence in Africa. Examples cited include the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 2011 invasion of Libya, and the 2013 intervention in the Sahel, as well as the discriminatory treatment of African students fleeing Ukraine.
• The Ukraine conflict may accelerate the adoption of China's Global Security Initiative in Africa. This initiative appeals to countries with strained Western relations by emphasizing self-determination, the rejection of double standards, and non-interference in internal affairs.

APA

Mboya, C. (2022). Africa-China relations could be boosted by the war in Ukraine. Africa Policy Research Institute. https://afripoli.org/africa-china-relations-could-be-boosted-by-the-war-in-ukraine

Chicago

Mboya, Cliff. Africa-China relations could be boosted by the war in Ukraine. Africa Policy Research Institute, 2022. https://afripoli.org/africa-china-relations-could-be-boosted-by-the-war-in-ukraine.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mboya |first1=Cliff |title=Africa-China relations could be boosted by the war in Ukraine |publisher=Africa Policy Research Institute |date=7 July 2022 |url=https://afripoli.org/africa-china-relations-could-be-boosted-by-the-war-in-ukraine |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mboya2022africachina, author = {Mboya, Cliff}, title = {{Africa-China relations could be boosted by the war in Ukraine}}, institution = {Africa Policy Research Institute}, year = {2022}, month = jul, url = {https://afripoli.org/africa-china-relations-could-be-boosted-by-the-war-in-ukraine}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }