A quick reminder that African countries, while delivering mostly commodities while importing high-end products, have been facing a growing trade deficit with China. Their dependence on China is growing as this kind of trade policy is a big obstacle to develop African industries and manufacturing capabilities.

It is also noteworthy that China uses this leverage for political purposes. For example, all African countries support China's aggression against Taiwan and what Beijing "reunification" (which is false, as Taiwan was never part of mainland China). The only exemption here is Eswatini, a small country in the South of the African continent that maintains an embassy in Taipei, and Taiwan maintains an embassy in Eswatini's capital Mbabane.