The least-developed countries are bearing the brunt of global shock
waves caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ukraine conflict and Cold War
mentality of some Western nations. A disruption to trade, industry and
supply chains has created energy, food and financial crises,
particularly in Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America.
China
and the United States, the world’s leading powers, have stepped up
diplomacy, pledging help to governments to overcome challenges. But
Washington’s efforts are less about support than trying to catch up, its
promises falling significantly short of Beijing’s long-standing
commitments and meaningful action.
Beijing’s latest
measures involve cutting tariffs on 98 per cent of taxable products
from 16 “least developed countries”. On the list are Cambodia and Laos
in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia, Kiribati, the
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the South Pacific, and Chad, Djibouti,
Eritrea, Guinea, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, the Central African Republic
and Togo in Africa. The move takes effect on September 1 and there are
plans for it to be gradually expanded. It could boost trade if countries
increase production of exports and may in turn stimulate wider
international acceptance of the yuan for cross-border settlements.
China’s
policy is based on equality and cooperation for mutual benefit. Through
trade, investment and infrastructure construction, poorer countries can
achieve growth that can put them on the path of sustainable
development. Governments can do business with whichever partner they
like, but many developing nations have found Beijing to be the most
reliable and trustworthy. That is borne out by the achievements of the
Belt and Road Initiative with the provision of funds, technologies and
know-how. Since the start of the pandemic, China has also been a major
provider of vaccines.
State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang
Yi’s schedule this year reflects Beijing’s priorities, starting with the
traditional first port of call in Africa and including the South
Pacific and regular Asian visits. His American counterpart, Antony
Blinken, has been busy trying to shore up Washington’s alliances in the
face of his country’s rivalry with Beijing. After an Asia-Pacific stop
that included an Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in
Cambodia, he travelled to South Africa, Congo and Rwanda. He was
following on the heels of the US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda
Thomas-Greenfield, who went to Uganda, Ghana and Cabo Verde, formerly
Cape Verde.
China is by far Africa’s biggest
trading partner and investor. The US and other Western countries have
made pledges to developing nations, but failed to live up to
expectations. In such times, what is needed is concrete action and
cooperation, not promises.