On July 9th to 11th, NATO held a summit in Washington D.C. to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the alliance’s founding, with heads of state and government leaders from 32 member countries and partner nations in attendance. During the summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned NATO leaders not to overlook the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Russia in Africa.
According to Bloomberg, Meloni, during a meeting on July 10th in Washington, presented a map showcasing the influence of the CCP and Russia in Africa. She emphasized that while NATO is focused on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in Eastern Europe, they are neglecting potential threats in the southern region. Meloni stressed that NATO cannot remain indifferent to the challenges and opportunities presented in the African continent.
The U.S. State Department has accused Moscow and Beijing of conducting false propaganda in Africa to diminish the influence of Western countries. Other concerning issues include Russia fueling anti-immigrant sentiments in Europe through migrant waves and exacerbating political unrest in the Sahel region.
Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has provided billions of dollars in loans and grants for infrastructure development in African countries, establishing significant influence in many nations on the continent. A 2022 African Youth Generation Survey report indicated that China has surpassed the United States in influence and become the most influential country in Africa.
The European Union and the United States are also hoping to address this global battle of offers by offering their own infrastructure projects to developing countries.
NATO released a statement on Wednesday announcing that their Southern neighbors provide an opportunity for cooperation on mutual concerns and approved a more robust, strategic, and results-oriented action plan that will be regularly updated.
The statement mentioned that NATO will soon appoint a special representative for the Southern neighbors. Meloni regards Africa as a core pillar of Italy’s foreign policy given its geographical location in Southern Europe. During the G7 summit held in Italy last month, the Meloni government advocated for expanding initiatives on food and energy security in Africa, as well as developing critical infrastructure to enhance cooperation between the Italian and African governments.
These initiatives are part of Meloni’s broader efforts to expand Italy’s influence on the global stage and position Rome as a hub between Western countries and Africa.
China’s active investments in African countries began with Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, aiming to open markets in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and Europe through the land and maritime routes. The purpose is to utilize China’s idle capital and labor force, exclude Western powers led by the United States, and expand the CCP’s influence.
China provides capital to developing countries, allowing Chinese companies and laborers to undertake infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, and ports. Some impoverished African nations have welcomed these projects. However, criticism has emerged labeling this as China’s debt trap diplomacy, as governments struggle to repay the loans.
Italy was the only G7 country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. After assuming office last year, Meloni announced Italy’s withdrawal from the initiative, citing a lack of significant benefits brought by the Belt and Road Initiative to Italy.