New US Africa Development Strategy Targets Russia, China Efforts To Buy Influence - Bolton

The Trump administration has rolled out a new Africa strategy that seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, National Security Adviser John Bolton said in Washington on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th December, 2018) The Trump administration has rolled out a new Africa strategy that seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, National Security Adviser John Bolton said in Washington on Thursday.

"In short, the predatory practices pursued by China and Russia stunt economic growth in Africa, threaten the financial independence of African nations, inhibit opportunities for US investment, interfere with US military operations and impose a significant threat to US national security interests," Bolton said.

The initiative announced by Bolton focuses on a series of bilateral trade negotiations to expand economic ties with the United States, rather than the traditional US development approach of funding projects with foreign aid.

Bolton's criticism of Chinese inroads in Africa was especially pointed:

"China uses bribes, opaque agreements and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing's wishes and demands," Bolton said. "Such predatory actions are subcomponents of broader Chinese strategic initiatives, including One Belt One Road, a plan to develop a series of trade routes leading to and from China with the ultimate goal of advancing Chinese global dominance.

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As examples, Bolton cited Chinese plans to take control of Zambia's national power utility because Zambia is unable to repay $6 billion to $10 billion in accumulated debt to Beijing. Bolton also mentioned Djibouti, which recently eased its debt burden to China by allowing Beijing to establish a military base within miles of a US base.

Bolton was less specific in his criticism of Russia, accusing Moscow of increasing its influence in the region through unspecified "corrupt economic dealings."

"It [Russia] continues to sell arms and energy in exchange for votes at the United Nations, votes that keep strong men in power, undermine peace and security and run counter to the best interests of the African people," Bolton said.

He accused China and Russia of deliberately targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States.