It’s not in China’s best interests to be trapped in a bilateral tit-for-tat with the United States. We can do better by reaching out constructively to other developed countries. We will win the contest if we can do this.

Qin Gang, China’s new foreign minister, began his term with a trip to Africa, where he reinforced his country’s longtime commitment to equality and respect for others. China-Africa relations are the “foundation of the foundation” and an ongoing priority in Chinese diplomacy.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi went to Africa, as is customary. But he also visited two Asian countries, a choice that signals China’s desire to break the U.S. attempt at containment.

The trip, in both its timing and content, was designed compete with China and expand American influence. Senegal, the U.S. Secretary of State’s last stop, happens to be the host country of the upcoming Eighth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Ministerial Conference. That’s no coincidence.

China’s deepening ties to Africa has shaken up the status quo, with positive and negative outcomes rippling across the planet. What does the rapid development of Africa and China hold for the future?

China’s upward trajectory can be seen most tangibly in its many investments in Africa - home to many of the world’s fastest growing economies. The U.S., fearful of being unseated as the world’s central power, has to play catch up on the continent.

Summit carried a powerful message of solidarity against COVID-19 — reinforced by President Xi Jinping. It’s the right moment for Chinese and African leaders to create a new foundation for future cooperation.

The coronavirus poses a stark threat to humanity, and it’s only natural for people to worry. And that can lead to unfortunate misunderstandings, as in the recent accusation of racism against Nigerians.

China is keen to play a bigger role in Britain’s post-Brexit future, particularly in infrastructure and investment projects. However, China’s deeper involvement may face political and infrastructural challenges and a steep learning curve for Chinese businesses.

China’s soft power offensive in Africa has enabled it to make gains that have largely eluded it in the developed world, but it cannot be considered soft power in the traditional sense.