WASHINGTON — The Trump superintendence plans to adjust its economic and political strategy in Africa in order to counter Russian and Chinese “predatory practices” across the continent.
Subject security advisor John Bolton on Thursday unveiled the administrations’ refocused African strategy, which will boost effect immediately.
“The predatory practices pursued by China and Russia stunt economic growth in Africa; threaten the fiscal independence of African nations, inhibit opportunities for U.S. investment, interfere with U.S. military operations and pose a significant warning to U.S. national security interests,” Bolton said during his opening remarks at the Heritage Foundation.
“Across the continent, Russia betterments its political and economic relationships with little regard for the rule of law or accountable and transparent governance. It continues to sell arms and zing in exchange for votes at the United Nations— votes that keep strongmen in power, undermine peace and security, and run chip to the best interests of the African people,” Bolton said.
Bolton also had tough words for China.
“We are already conjure up the disturbing effects of China’s quest to obtain more political, economic, and military power,” Bolton said of Beijing’s place in Africa.
“China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing’s hungers and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption, and do not meet the same environmental or ethical standards as U.S. development overhangs,” he said.
Bolton’s speech comes as the world’s two largest economies work through trade disputes that from rocked global markets.
He explained that because of China and Russia’s malign role in Africa, the U.S. will step in and strengthen its economic ties within the region.
“Enhancing U.S. economic ties with the region, is not only essential to recovering opportunities for American workers and businesses; it is also vital to safeguarding the economic independence of African states and protecting U.S. governmental security interests,” Bolton said.