China may fill gap US is leaving

→ Asian giant is championing poverty alleviation on continent.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Donald Trump's isolationist policy approach has transitioned from talk to implementation, with both allies and adversaries beginning to feel the impact of his stringent tariffs.

Experts warn that in his endeavor to "Make America great again," he may encounter several unintended consequences.

One could be a decline in US influence on a global scale, particularly in Africa, which has traditionally received a significant amount of US aid.

Trump's unilateral withdrawal of development aid and imposition of tariffs will compel many countries to pursue self-sufficiency, or look elsewhere to reduce their reliance on the US.

With China increasingly establishing itself as a key provider of development assistance and aid in the region, it could easily fill the vacuum left by the US.

Intra-regional trade will also be boosted.

Recently, Jianlu Bi, a Beijing-based award-winning journalist and commentator on current affairs and international politics, highlighted areas where China could fill the gap left by the US in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

According to Jianlu, unlike the US, which has chosen a more unilateral path, China has presented a vision of international engagement, emphasizing the principles of joint consultation, joint construction and shared benefits.

"China actively promotes global cooperation through various initiatives and platforms.

"On international platforms like the G20, China advocates for inclusive and interconnected development, aiming to achieve outcomes that benefit a wider range of countries," he said.

As alluded to by Jianlu, Africa may come with a begging bowl, but Trump is pushing the continent towards China and even Russia.