Article

Trump is right to confront China on trade

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

EVERY observer of South African politics knows that the African National Congress (ANC) admires China. The party admires China’s system of governance under the Communist Party. If the ANC had its way, South Africa would be governed like China.

The admiration for China extends beyond the ANC in Africa. Many African leaders and citizens view China favorably.

The global rise of China

China has become an indispensable global power, influencing nations worldwide.

Much has been written about China’s rise to global power over the past decades. Some people have predicted that China is world’s next dominant superpower.

Over the last four decades, China has undergone an extraordinary economic transformation. Its rise from a largely agrarian society to an economic powerhouse is primarily due to Deng Xiaoping’s pro-market reforms of the late 1970s. These policies were pivotal in China’s rapid economic expansion.

Trump right to confront China

Trump’s trade war with China is justified, in my opinion. Over the last two decades, complaints about China’s unfair trade strategies mounted.

Last March, Brendan Pearson, former OECD ambassador, stated that China engages in widespread trade manipulation, and OECD research confirms this. Companies receiving the largest government subsidies are overwhelmingly Chinese—particularly in cement, aluminum, glass, and semiconductors.

Pearson asserts that since 2005, Chinese industries like aluminum and steel have increased their market gains, securing 55% of worldwide output, up from 30% in 2005. Additionally, “14 of the 14 largest gains in market share in key manufacturing sectors since 2005 went to Chinese firms. And OECD economies were uniformly the losers.”, Pearson writes.

Foreign companies—including American corporations—struggle to operate in China due to extremely restrictive regulations. Social media giants like Facebook and X remain banned in China, and complaints about intellectual property theft persist.

China’s targeting of U.S. industries over the past two decades justifies Trump’s hawkish anti-China policy. The question remains though: Will Trump’s confrontation succeed? While total victory may be unlikely, China has already seen a decline in exports to the U.S.—a sign that adjustments might come from China in future.

China’s footprint in Africa

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, China finances massive infrastructure projects. Today, China is Africa’s largest trading partner and biggest creditor.

Last January, The Economist argued last African leaders should stop adopting China’s state capitalism. African leaders should adopt good ideas from China, not bad ideas.

African leaders should learn from Deng Xiaoping’s pro-market policies—not from China’s state capitalism.

Some argue that China’s expanding footprint resembles a new form of colonialism. I disagree. African governments have willingly aligned with China, and no coercion is involved—it is a choice made by African leaders.

Many Africans view China as a respectful and benevolent ally, committed to the continent’s progress. I disagree—China is in Africa to advance its own interests and expand its influence.

My advice to Africans is this: China’s involvement is self-serving—not charitable. Its presence in Africa is strategic, aimed at strengthening its global influence and challenging the U.S.

I have no desire to visit China

Despite its global reach, I personally have no desire to visit China. Its political system does not align with values I wish to see adopted in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa.

China operates under a repressive one-party system, where individual freedoms are suppressed.

I do not believe that Chinese citizens don’t want personal freedoms—they do. However, the Communist Party monopolizes political power, leaving no room for dissent.

Civil protests are not tolerated in China, and opposition is strictly forbidden. Such governance models should not be emulated anywhere around the world.

Nevertheless, China’s status as a global producer and exporter secures its superpower standing. It has emerged as a leader in high-tech industries, becoming a primary challenger to the U.S. in AI research and investment.

One of the most pressing geopolitical questions is whether the U.S. and China can avoid conflict as China challenges American dominance. Some argue that ongoing diplomatic engagement could prevent direct confrontation. However, diplomacy is only effective if both nations respect each other’s interests—something I’m not sure exists.

China’s rise cannot be stopped—this is an undeniable reality. The critical issue is how developed nations respond. Like previous superpowers, China is reshaping global dynamics in a way that disrupts nations.

China’s rise should not be feared but properly managed. The world must ensure that China’s governance model remains within its borders and does not spread globally. It’s bad a model – it shouldn’t spread globally.

President Trump should be supported in his trade fight with China. It’s a right fight. PM

Buy Phumlani’s book Lessons from Past Heroes here, and subscribe to his YouTube channel here.

© PHUMLANI M. MAJOZI