U.S & CHINA The U.S. and China Have Two Starkly Different Approaches in Africa & Developing Countries

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As developing countries continue their rapid growth, the global powerhouses of the United States and China have taken vastly different approaches to how they interact with these countries. China has chosen to help these countries grow, believing that in the long term, they will form key trade partnerships that will benefit China's economy. The United States, on the other hand, has a different approach, viewing these countries as potential competitors and often failing to provide the same level of economic support that China offers. In this post, I will delve into the differences between these two viewpoints and analyze the potential implications for the future.

China's approach to developing countries can be seen as one that is aimed at the long term objectives, building strong trade partnerships will result in mutually beneficial economic relationships. China has provided foreign aid to developing countries in the form of special economic zones, telecommunications infrastructure, and credit lines as well as assistance in securing natural resources. China's financial support has been critical in countries such as Africa where a lack of infrastructure and capital are barriers to economic development. By providing the necessary capital, China has opened the door for these developing countries to create stronger economies that are beneficial to both parties.

The United States, on the other hand, take a different approach, one that centers around self-interest. Rather than focus on what a developing country can offer and creating trade partnerships, the U.S approach considers the developing country as a potential competitor. With the goal of ensuring America maintains their competitive edge across all industries, the U.S seeks to limit the growth of economies that they view as competition. As such, the United States has often been hesitant to help establish strong economic initiatives or invest in sectors of developing countries' economies that could be potentially profitable. Instead, the U.S tends to focus on policies that hinder competition, such as trade barriers and economic sanctions.

The difference between these approaches is significant, and it's easy to see how it can impact the development of developing countries. For instance, China-focused approach can help these countries to create and build up their economies, opening the doors for better trade opportunities and potential global investments. In contrast, the American approach can hinder these countries' economic growth, limiting the potential for them to move up the economic ladder. However, despite this stark difference, the strategies that China and the U.S employ do not always guarantee success in the area of trade and global influence.

Due to the increasing influence of China as a rising superpower, the United States have begun to shift their position. In recent years, the U.S has increased its investment in several areas in Africa, particularly in the power sector, under the program Power Africa. However, the aid comes with several strings attached, making it far less attractive than China's aid, which is often less restrictive. Nevertheless, it's clear that the United States are reluctant to change their position and are unwilling to create policies that would result in a loss of their global dominance.

In conclusion, the different strategies employed by the U.S and China with regards to how they interact with developing countries become more critical as developing countries continue to grow. While the U.S approach focuses on reducing competition, China's intentions are focused on the long-term benefits of trade and economic partnerships. Ultimately, the developing countries decide their most suitable partner. However, it's hard to ignore the benefits that could come with adopting China's approach, including increased global influence, better trade opportunities, and potential global investments. The question remains whether the United States can match China's level of investment and long term goals.
 
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