The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, with a theme centered around modernization and building a high-level community between China and Africa. The summit will see leaders from African member states gather, presenting an opportunity for enhanced cooperation post-COVID.

In recent years, an American tourist observed a significant Chinese presence in Zanzibar, sparking curiosity about China's role in Africa. This has raised concerns among U.S. officials, particularly as China deepens its engagement on the continent, prompting some Western nations to criticize this cooperation and call for increased competition with China.

Experts highlight a fundamental difference in how China and the U.S. engage with African nations. China adopts a reciprocal and understanding approach, whereas the U.S. often relies on a carrot-and-stick strategy that pressures African countries into agreements that serve Western interests.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying has noted that FOCAC represents a chance for China and Africa to solidify plans for future collaboration. Many experts from both regions view the summit as a way to navigate post-pandemic recovery and foster stronger ties.

Media narratives have increasingly focused on China's investments and loans in Africa, with some reports suggesting China is successfully winning support from the Global South by providing essential goods and services. Reports show that while U.S. approval ratings in Africa fell slightly in 2023, China's popularity increased, suggesting a growing preference for China's partnership model.

While the U.S. is urged to offer an alternative to China, experts argue that African countries seek more cooperation rather than competition between global powers. They propose that the U.S. could benefit from collaborating with China to fulfill the interests of African nations.

Scholars from Africa appreciate China's role in infrastructure development, local employment opportunities, and skills training, indicating a preference for Chinese cooperation over Western engagement. The essence of China's interaction emphasizes mutual benefits and local priorities, whereas U.S. approaches can come off as self-serving, pushing African countries to conform to geopolitical strategies rather than addressing their specific needs.