China's Africa Strategy: Lessons for India from Beijing's Global South Dominance

• China's Foreign Minister has consistently visited African nations annually since 1991, demonstrating a long-term diplomatic commitment.
• Wang Yi recently visited Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, focusing on strengthening strategic partnerships, trade, and infrastructure projects like the Tazara railway.
• China's engagement with Africa, including through FOCAC, has led to significant trade growth, reaching $295 billion in 2024, making China Africa's top trading partner for 15 years.
• While China shifts funding towards smaller projects and private investment, its overall strategy aims to create dependencies supporting its global ambitions.
• India can learn from China's consistency, audit its high-level visits' outcomes, and invest in substantial field research on Africa to deepen its own engagement.

Why It Matters: China's consistent, long-term engagement in Africa offers crucial strategic lessons for India's Global South policy.