Political Front Lines: China's Pursuit of Influence in Africa 100

This report examines the understudied field of China’s political influence activities in Africa and describes the united front system’s attempts to manage overseas Chinese communities, co-opt African elites, and shape the perception of wider African audiences. NBR Special Report, no. 100 (June 2022) [Rolland, ed.] Political Front Lines: China’s Pursuit of Influence in Africa Contents Foreword [Rolland] Introduction [Ohlberg] United Front Work and Political Influence Operations in Sub-Saharan Africa Executive Summary CCP Objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa The Toolbox: CCP Organizations and Tactics Conclusion: Are the United Front Activities Working? [Cabestan] Party-to-Party Relations and Political Training Executive Summary The CCP and Sub-Saharan Africa: A General Map The CCP-ILD’s Objectives and Modus Operandi in Africa The CCP in Africa: A Balance Sheet [Nantulya] China’s Growing Police and Law-Enforcement Cooperation in Africa Executive Summary Main Findings Typologies of Engagement Assessment of African Security Cooperation with China Conclusion: Looking Over the Horizon [Dogbevi] China in Africa’s Media: A Case Study of Ghana Executive Summary China and the African Media China in the Ghanaian Media The Ghanaian Journalist Experience Potential Pitfalls Conclusion [George] Elite Relationships: Drivers of China’s Influence in East Africa Executive Summary Historical Background From Theory to Reality: China’s Influence on the Ground Key Interlocutors Conclusion