Analysis of The Hindu Editorial – September 11, 2024

Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 1: A Panoramic View of the 2024 China-Africa Summit

Context

The strengthening of political and commercial connections between China and Africa was highlighted at the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing. The results of the meeting should be critically examined, according to this editorial, since Africa is becoming more at ease dealing with China. It also provides India with insights on its own diplomacy in relation to Africa.

Introduction

Africa is a key component of China’s worldwide strategy, influencing its foreign policy in the twenty-first century. China has strengthened its ties with African countries since the FOCAC was formed 24 years ago, in spite of a number of African concerns. This changing alliance is highlighted by the Ninth Ministerial Conference, which took place in Beijing. As such, an unbiased examination of the summit’s conclusions and long-term consequences is required.

Historical Context: The Birth of FOCAC

China has been involved in Africa since the late 20th century; the FOCAC was established in 2000. Since then, this program has played home to other summits, mostly in Beijing but also in other African nations, demonstrating China’s unwavering dedication to the continent’s development. China sees Africa as a vital component of the future international order, complementary to its own goals in terms of politics, economy, and security, in addition to being a strategic ally.

Key Elements of the Beijing Declaration

1. China-Africa Shared Future:
   • The most recent summit highlights a “shared future” between China and Africa, incorporating ideas from the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) are also incorporated into the unified plan.
2. Governance and Modernisation:
   • Based on their distinct civilizational traits, both parties vowed to advancing modernization, poverty reduction, and governance. With China endorsing Africa’s participation in global governance and applauding the African Union’s G20 admission, they promote inclusive globalization that takes African concerns into account.
3. Economic Cooperation:
   • The summit celebrated the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and reaffirmed previous objectives, such as the need for coordination between African, Chinese, and UN development initiatives. China, meanwhile, has taken a more nuanced approach to economic cooperation by shifting the burden of treating African debt to commercial creditors and international financial institutions.
4. Security and Development:
   • GDI, GSI, and GCI, three of China’s flagship projects, are essential to building an African security and development framework. China’s support for UN-funded peace efforts in Africa was underscored in the proclamation, along with the need of intercultural communication.
5. FOCAC Continuity:
   • The FOCAC co-chairship change from Senegal to the Republic of the Congo, together with the 2027 summit schedule, highlight the ongoing nature of the China-Africa alliance.

A Familiar Template

President Xi Jinping of China made the customary offer of $51 billion in funding for African projects during the meeting. Additionally, he noted important areas for collaboration, including commerce, ecological development, and industry cooperation. Nonetheless, concerns about the long-term execution of these programs persist because prior commitments of a similar nature have been opaque. Notably, African exports could rise dramatically as a result of China’s zero-tariff policy for 33 least-developed nations in Africa.

Multi-Dimensional Cooperation: Perspectives

China frames its growth strategy as an alternative to Western modernization, making it appear like a logical partner for Africa. China’s experience in development is a good fit with Africa’s demand for infrastructure and economic expansion.

1. The Chinese View:
   • China frames its growth strategy as an alternative to Western modernization, making it appear like a logical partner for Africa. China’s experience in development is a good fit with Africa’s demand for infrastructure and economic expansion.
2. The African View:
   • African nations are aware of the advantages of working with China, but they are still cautious about accepting Chinese assistance as a passive benefit. The dynamic between donor and recipient continues because China frequently sets the parameters of collaboration.
3. The American View:
   • Critics in the United States contend that China’s approach to Africa is influenced by its rivalry with the United States, and that Xi Jinping wants to form allies in the Global South in order to offset American influence. Europe recognizes China’s increasing influence in Africa, but warns against oversimplifying this relationship, pointing out China’s geopolitical goals as well as its advantages.

Implications for India

The editorial concludes by outlining three key lessons for India:

1. Consistency in Engagement:
   • India has to continue holding high-level political discussions with Africa. India has not focused on Africa-centered diplomacy since 2015, despite hosting three summits of the India-Africa Forum. This needs to change.
2. Resource Commitment:
   • Merely having strong historical relationships is not enough. To help Africa flourish, India needs to match its diplomatic talk with large financial commitments.
3. Strategic Prioritization:
   • Africa ought to be given more importance in India’s foreign policy agenda, necessitating an active expansion of the country’s diplomatic and economic endeavors there.

Conclusion

The China-Africa summit represents the strengthening of a strategic partnership, which can teach India valuable lessons about persistent involvement, financial support, and reevaluating diplomatic goals. India needs to be proactive in fortifying its own connections with Africa as China expands its sway over the region.

Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 2: UAE-India Ties Rooted in Affinity, Trust, and Respect

Context

The article highlights the long-lasting relationship between the UAE and India by exploring their historical, cultural, and economic ties. Focusing on the recent visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled, to Delhi, the story highlights the strategic alliances and symbolic actions that fortify the relationship between the two countries.

Introduction

Sheikh Khaled’s journey to Rajghat, where he laid a tree in Mahatma Gandhi’s honor, is symbolic of the ongoing relationship between the UAE and India because it is reminiscent of previous deeds done by his father and grandfather. These highly symbolic gestures signify a partnership that aims to develop and adjust to new problems as well as a link that is anchored in the past.Sheikh Khaled’s journey to Rajghat, where he laid a tree in Mahatma Gandhi’s honor, is symbolic of the ongoing relationship between the UAE and India because it is reminiscent of previous deeds done by his father and grandfather. These highly symbolic gestures signify a partnership that aims to develop and adjust to new problems as well as a link that is anchored in the past.

Historical and Deep-rooted Relationship:

The UAE and India have had a long-standing relationship that includes both historical trading ties and current diplomatic and economic alliances. Their relationship is based on shared principles and complimentary strengths, despite the fact that the two nations have different populations, sizes, and economic bases. India’s enormous population and agricultural economy contrast with the UAE’s smaller size and emphasis on industries like energy, yet these distinctions enhance rather than diminish their cooperation.

Deep Connections:

The relationship between the UAE and India is based on strong human ties, reciprocal respect, and common advancement rather than just diplomacy. Archaeological discoveries demonstrate the thousands of years of history of trade between India and the Arabian Gulf. These ties have changed throughout time, as seen by the fact that Emiratis now travel to India for homeopathic remedies and medical care, which highlights the cross-cultural interchange between the two countries.

Strength of the Expatriate Community

The more than 3.5 million Indian expatriates living in the UAE are a vital pillar of the connection between India and the UAE. Because of its dedication to inclusiveness, tolerance, and minorities’ empowerment, the UAE has been successful in building this community, which has strengthened the two nations’ economic and cultural relations even more. The sheer quantity of weekly flights—more than 1,500—that connect the two countries further demonstrates their extraordinary connectedness.

Partnership and Collaboration:

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India, which was signed in 2022 and increased bilateral trade by more than 15% in its first year, serves as another example of the depth of the connection. This quick progress—achieved in just six months—highlights the mutual respect and affinities between the two countries. The collaboration in education, renewable energy, and civil nuclear technology shows the potential for expansion in a number of industries, extending the partnership beyond trade.

Educational and Technological Cooperation:

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi, the organization’s first overseas branch, opened its doors recently. This action is indicative of the two nations’ increasing educational collaboration. During Sheikh Khaled’s visit, agreements on renewable energy and health innovation were also discussed. These topics are important for both countries’ futures. For a desert nation like the United Arab Emirates, India’s research on nuclear desalination is noteworthy. However, there are many other areas where the two nations’ cooperation can result in key improvements in green energy, agriculture, medical technology, and other fields.

Conclusion

Alongside the trees established by his father and grandfather, Sheikh Khaled symbolically planted an amaltas tree, signifying the harmony between expansion and stability in the relationship between the UAE and India. Similar to these trees, the cooperation between the two countries is grounded in history, trust, and respect but it also keeps expanding, developing, and flourishing. The UAE and India are well-positioned to further expand their all-encompassing strategic alliance, guaranteeing that their partnership stays robust, vibrant, and forward-looking, thanks to their shared values and complementary characteristics.