US Secretary of State Holds First Meeting with African Leaders... "Keep Eyes Wide Open and Watch China Closely"

China Warns Against Falling into 'Debt Trap' Diplomacy
"The US Will Listen to Your Voices"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken held a virtual meeting with the leaders of Kenya and Nigeria, two major African countries, warning them not to fall into China's "debt trap" diplomacy. This move is interpreted as an effort to resume African diplomacy, which had been virtually neglected since the previous Donald Trump administration, and to guard against the expansion of China's influence.

According to foreign media including Voice of America (VOA) on the 27th (local time), Secretary Blinken conducted a virtual tour event with the presidents of Kenya and Nigeria and advised the two leaders to be cautious of China. During the video conference, Blinken stated, "You need to open your eyes wide and look beneath the surface," adding, "When any country proposes large infrastructure projects, it is essential to closely examine whether they will bring their own workers or provide jobs to the citizens of the investment target country," openly criticizing China's Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road projects).

Blinken emphasized, "The United States will continue to listen to your voices," and added, "That does not mean we are asking anyone to choose between the U.S. and China. Your success is our success, and the United States will invest in the right way." This statement is interpreted as emphasizing that alongside countering China, African countries should understand the realities of China's debt trap diplomacy and join hands with the United States.

Blinken's remarks are seen as an effort to restore African diplomacy, which was almost completely neglected during the previous Trump administration. Former President Trump never visited Africa during his tenure. He was the first U.S. president since World War II not to visit Africa.

Moreover, President Trump sparked controversy by disparaging some African countries as "shithole countries." As a result, during the Trump administration, China's advance into Africa was actively carried out. China has been increasing its influence in Africa by promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, providing loans and aid, and investing in Africa's natural resources.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.