In recent developments, Chinese diplomats have reportedly put pressure on lawmakers in two African nations in an effort to compel them to abandon an international parliamentary group critical of China. This pressure indicates the extent of Chinaโs influence on global politics, working behind closed doors to achieve its objectives.
Within the past year, lawmakers from Malawi and Gambia have distanced themselves from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), an organization made up of legislators from 38 countries which examines democratic relations with China. Documents, messages, and recordings acquired suggest this move came in response to diplomatic pressure. Founded in 2020, IPAC has been involved in sanctioning China over alleged rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong and has shown solidarity with Taiwan, a democratic self-governing island claimed by China.
Observers in Africa view these actions as an escalation of Beijingโs diplomatic efforts across the continent, where Chinaโs influence has significantly deepened through investments in infrastructure and resource development projects, often funded by Chinese state-owned banks. This pressure forms part of Chinaโs broader strategy to mold political stances worldwide, including in unexpected locations such as New York where a former governorโs aide stands accused of acting as a Chinese agency.
In Gambia, a notable instance emerged when legislator Abdoulie Ceesay revealed that the Chinese government had raised concerns over his IPAC membership with the Gambian foreign ministry. In private communications to IPAC, Ceesay conveyed discontent from his countryโs presidency, though publicly he maintained that his decision to step away was not indirectly influenced by the Chinese embassy. Meanwhile, Gambian officials denied having knowledge of any attempts by China to sway the nationโs politicians.
Past incidents have shown the Chinese government targeting members of alliances like IPAC, with reports of sanctions imposed on several lawmakers and diplomatic efforts to discourage their attendance at the groupโs Taiwan summit. Despite such pressures, certain participants, like those from Kenya, remained within the coalition, undeterred by Beijingโs attempts. Another instance of resistance to pressure emerged following allegations of a Chinese-backed hacking attempt on the group in 2021.
Malawian lawmaker Ephraim Abel Kayembe cited political interference following his participation in a Taiwan summit, leading to a retreat from the alliance shortly thereafter. Official statements from Kayembe disavowed coercion as a factor, citing geopolitical concerns instead, despite IPACโs claims of threats from the Chinese government to disrupt a planned high-level meeting in Beijing as a motive. Malawiโs government opted to remain silent on the issue.
Over time, China has fortified its presence in Africa, engaging in strategic partnerships aiming to access both diplomatic support and natural resources. Many African leaders have embraced such partnerships, valuing the economic contributions. However, these arrangements have spurred criticism over potentially opaque agreements that appear to serve Chinaโs interests primarily, benefiting Chinese enterprises and workers sent for development projects, thereby raising further questions of influence and leverage.
While China traditionally promises non-interference in African domestic matters, it has a track record of pressuring governments to exclude Taiwan and Tibetโs spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Instances of this approach include diplomatic friction with South Africa and Lithuania over Taiwan-related issues. Experts note that Beijingโs pressure on African parliamentarians marks a novel and aggressive tactic in its broader international strategy.
The unfolding scenario suggests an environment in which China seeks to fill geopolitical voids, especially as some Western influences, like the United States, recalibrate their focus on global Cold War dynamics. As observers and involved politicians predict a shift in strategic alliances, the spotlight remains on Chinaโs expanding engagement and its implications for international balances of power.