US Steps Up Africa Push As China Expands Economic, Security Footprint

The United States has significantly increased its economic engagement in Africa, announcing $25.67 billion in new commercial deals across 37 projects as Washington seeks to counter China’s expanding influence on the continent. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia highlighted concerns about China’s state-subsidized trade practices, which he argues undermine local industries and leave African nations vulnerable to debt and economic coercion. Speaking to Fox News in late August, Garcia emphasized that China’s trade dominance—totaling $348.1 billion in two-way commerce with Africa in 2025—poses long-term risks to regional stability and economic sovereignty.

China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with exports valued at $225 billion last year, compared to just $83.35 billion in U.S.-Africa trade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Studies show Chinese imports have already weakened African manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with financial and infrastructure constraints. Research published in *Energy Economics* in 2025 found that increased competition from Chinese goods reduced productivity in local industries, while another report in *International Affairs* documented over 400 Chinese-owned manufacturers operating in Ghana between 2004 and 2024.

Chinese investments have also sparked local backlash. Activist Jie Lijian, who fled China in 2019, reported widespread complaints about environmental damage and labor practices linked to Chinese firms during his travels across Africa. In Ethiopia, police officers reportedly criticized Chinese businesses for polluting land and water, while protests in Guinea turned violent in 2024 when residents clashed with security forces over environmental damage caused by Hongxing Mining Guinea SARL. Two people were killed in the confrontation, raising questions about corporate accountability and regulatory oversight.

Critical minerals have become a focal point in the U.S.-China competition for African resources. AFRICOM’s 2026 posture statement warns that Beijing is securing control over strategic minerals like graphite, which it dominates at 90% of global processing capacity. The U.S. Geological Survey reports China produces 79% of natural graphite, 98% of refined gallium, and significant shares of tungsten and rare earths. To reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, Washington is backing the Lobito Corridor, a transport route linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s copper belt to Angola’s Atlantic port.

Security concerns extend beyond trade. Reports indicate Chinese-linked mining operations have at times collaborated with armed groups, including in the Central African Republic, where Daqing SARL’s permits were revoked in 2024 for unauthorized mining and interactions with armed factions. In neighboring Congo, Global Witness documented cases where Chinese-owned Kun Hou Mining allegedly supplied weapons to local militias in exchange for mining access. Private security firms like Huaxin Zhong’an Security Group, which employs ex-military personnel, have also expanded their operations to protect Chinese investments across Africa.

China’s influence extends into military and political spheres through initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Under its 2025-2027 action plan, Beijing pledged military training for 6,000 African personnel and political education for ruling party cadres at facilities like Tanzania’s Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School. Analysts warn these programs embed Chinese-style political control models within African institutions, raising concerns about sovereignty and governance. Meanwhile, AFRICOM continues to monitor China’s growing military presence, particularly around key ports and infrastructure critical to U.S. strategic interests.

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