China promised to continue to encourage Chinese companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects agreed with their Congolese partner, on the sidelines of President Tshisekedi’s official visit to China. In a joint statement issued by the two countries, the People’s Republic of China and the DRC agreed to establish comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership with the main objective of developing high-quality investment cooperation.
The country will be supported in its digital transformation program and cooperation will be extended to the areas of investment and financing. China will also encourage its companies to invest in the new energy battery value chain development project in the DRC to support efforts in upgrading industrial chains and building capacity for self-development.
For its part, the Congolese side is committed to continuing to improve its business environment, so as to provide favorable conditions for the activities of Chinese companies on its soil and to effectively safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, while demanding compliance by Chinese public and private contractors with the laws and regulations in force in the DRC.
The two parties also agreed to promote the high-quality development of their investment cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership concluded in the Joint Commission. They also agreed to settle their disputes arising in this cooperation in mutual trust and with pragmatism and fairness, notably through friendly consultations.
The objective is to promote intense cultural exchanges and the promotion of tourism to bring the two peoples closer every day. Sino-Congolese relations will be taken to a higher level and cooperation will be extended to all areas of common interest, including education, scientific research, health, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, digital. , the environment, sustainable development, hydrocarbons, energy, defense and security.
While this cooperation has good intentions, it raises concerns about potential implications for regional security. In an analysis of Sino-Congolese military cooperation, it is suggested that China seeks to expand its influence in the region and bolster the economic interests of Chinese companies in the DRC. Although strategic cooperation is not in itself a danger, it is imperative that measures are put in place to avoid the risks of regional instability.