Mao Zedong once famously declared that “political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”. But almost a century later, China realises that triumphing in an increasingly multipolar world also requires shaping public opinion. Accordingly, Beijing is rearranging its foreign policy outlook – especially in Africa.

Whether countering human rights criticism or isolating Taiwan, China’s goal is to wage a new form of warfare – the strategic contest for hearts and minds. Beijing has embraced a strategic mix of diplomacy, soft power and influence campaigns — demonstrated through its increasing media control, educational outreach and economic ties across Africa — as it aims to position itself as a leader in shaping the global order.

China’s approach to cultivating its international image initially relied on the country’s economic prowess. But with its expanding economic influence, China increasingly seeks to reshape the existing global order according to its values. In pursuit of this alternative world order, China acknowledges the strategic importance of securing Africa’s support through influence.

In 2013, Beijing launched its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to connect economies across Asia, Africa and beyond. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative also seeks to foster a pro-China narrative by framing China’s model as better suited for developing economies than Western approaches. China’s distinct approach is characterised by state-led investment aimed at industrialisation and rapid growth, along with a governance model that often prioritises economic performance over democratic institutions – commonly referred to as the Beijing Consensus. Through investments in key sectors such as African media, China subtly encourages recipient countries to adopt Chinese norms and governance models.

China’s primary motivation in constructing influence in Africa is to safeguard its investments, protect its citizens and maintain robust trade relations. But as Africa’s relations with traditional powers — often its former colonial rulers — continue to deteriorate, Beijing is intensifying its efforts to reshape Africa’s political, media and social landscapes. To this end, China is deploying influence operations extensively to shape public narratives in its favour and win the battle for Africa’s hearts and minds.

Countries employ various strategies to assert influence, including creating economic dependencies. China’s strategic approach to cultivating influence in Africa is multifaceted, aiming to establish an alternative global order distinct from the Western-dominated paradigm. This is particularly evident in China’s focus on shaping Africa’s political environments through diplomatic, ideological and educational initiatives. China’s involvement in African politics has deep historical roots, with longstanding support for African Governments, military forces and liberation movements.

Notably, China provided critical backing to the African National Congress during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and aided the South West Africa People’s Organisation in Namibia’s fight for liberation. In Angola’s independence war, China initially backed the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola. But as China’s relationship with the Soviet Union began to deteriorate, it shifted its support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. In Zimbabwe, China supported the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front, while in Mozambique, it aligned with the Mozambique Liberation Front during its struggle for sovereignty.

In recent years, China has ramped up its efforts to bolster its influence in Africa, with study tours playing a pivotal role in its public diplomacy strategy. These tours, a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, see hundreds of African officials participating annually. The programs include academic lectures, visits to provincial governments and cultural exchanges, all designed to give participants insights into Chinese traditions, governance practices and development models.

China is expanding its influence in African politics by establishing political party training schools modelled after the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Party School. In 2022, China launched the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania as part of its bid to shape Africa’s political leadership in line with China’s political model. Other African nations, mostly with longstanding historical ties to China such as Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Morocco and Uganda, have shown interest in establishing similar leadership schools with financing from China.

An influential nation can further amplify its clout through active mediation and diplomatic dialogue. Historically, the United States has maintained a dominant role as an international mediator. But China is increasingly establishing itself as a key player in this domain, particularly in Africa. This was demonstrated by its involvement in mediating the Niger-Benin dispute, linked to China National Petroleum Corporation’s more than US$5 billion investment in an almost 2000-kilometre-long transboundary oil pipeline.

As China aims to establish an alternative Sino-centric world order, it recognises the importance of securing Africa’s support. With 54 countries, Africa is a significant player in global affairs. Accordingly, Beijing is intensifying its efforts to cultivate strong relations with Africa as part of its broader strategy to shift the international balance of power in its favour by raising its diplomatic profile.

China’s approach to Africa is grounded in decades of patience and strategic diplomacy. But under President Xi Jinping, tactics of disinformation and agitprop have returned. This battle for influence is unfolding against the backdrop of Africa’s awakening as a continent stirring from slumber with new ambitions. It is up to African policymakers to choose between multilateralism in its true sense, or shift from a Western-led to a Sino-centric world order.

China’s growing influence in Africa is evident in the creation of new educational institutions and deepening political relationships. Through these strategic efforts, China is not only securing influence in Africa but also setting the stage for a new global order defined by its values and priorities. As Sun Tzu wrote, “the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”, and China is poised to win Africa without fighting a war.

Republished from East Asia Forum, 15 May 2025

The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations