Prof. Tang Xiaoyang on China-Africa dynamics and the FOCAC Summit s38a

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Prof. Tang Xiaoyang 唐晓阳, a distinguished scholar from Tsinghua University who specializes in China-Africa relations, China's engagement in the developing countries, and global modernization. In today's episode, we explore the current dynamics of China-Africa cooperation, with a special emphasis on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. We discuss changes in the trade product structures between China and Africa, the prospects for Chinese electric vehicles in Africa, the "debt trap" narrative, and how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) synergizes with FOCAC. Additionally, we examine the geopolitical factors that are influencing the future of China-Africa relations. Prof. Tang currently serves as the chair in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University and has a distinguished background that includes significant research on African agricultural development and China's role in shaping economic strategies across the continent. His academic journey is complemented by his practical experience, including consultancy roles with international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. His deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of China-Africa cooperation has made him a sought-after voice in discussions on global development strategies. Highlights: 07:12 - What to expect on the FOCAC Summit? 08:50 - Changes in China-Africa trade structure and the impact of global economic shifts 10:36 - Chinese electric vehicles in Africa 19:40 - New trend of investing in Africa and its business environment 28:00 - Geopolitical influence on the direction of China-Africa relations 40:15 - The "debt trap" narrative 42:20 - Prospects for future China-Africa cooperation 47:30 - Recommendation You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Recommendations: Books - Professor Tang Xiaoyang's recent book: Coevolutionary Pragmatism: Approaches and Impacts of China-Africa Economic Cooperation (available on Amazon) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com 2w2q4i