From infrastructure development to trade, film, and education — there’s no doubt China’s presence in Africa is having a significant influence on the continent.
But how has China been winning the so-called ‘war of hearts and minds’ of more than one billion Africans?
“For China, propaganda has positive connotations, it is seen as a proactive tool in educating and shaping opinions to contribute to a ‘harmonious society,'” Ivana Karaskova, an expert on Chinese foreign and security policy, said during a virtual panel discussionon Friday. The event, dubbed ‘Telling China’s story well — Beijing’s attempts to reign into media in Africa and Europe,’ was organized by the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS).
