The Democratic Republic of Congo and China have recently upgraded their bilateral relations from a “win-win” cooperative strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This agreement was signed during President Tshisekedi’s visit to China, and this development of bilateral relations comes against a backdrop of competition between major powers such as the United States and China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on both countries to respect international standards and oppose any form of hegemony and power politics. This agreement, however, takes on a special character, because as in the 1960s, during the cold war between the capitalist West and the communist world led by the Soviet Union, the Democratic Republic of the Congo again becomes a stake in the cold war. between the United States and China.
Indeed, this competition from the great powers is linked to the struggle for control of strategic minerals such as cobalt, which China needs for the production of its high-tech industries. This strategic agreement between the DRC and China could therefore be seen as a means for the DRC to diversify its economic partners and ensure the growth of its economy.
However, history reminds us that we must be cautious in the face of competition from the great powers, in particular knowing how to read the signs of the times and learn the lessons of the past. The Democratic Republic of Congo must therefore be attentive to current geopolitical concerns and take measures to protect the interests of its people.
In this context, the Congolese government must ensure that new Chinese investments comply with international human and environmental rights standards. In addition, he must also take care to protect the interests of local businesses and ensure that the wealth of the nation benefits the entire population.
In short, this strategic partnership between the DRC and China can be a lever for the development of the Congolese economy, provided that this is done in compliance with international standards and the general interest of the population.