‘A LOOK FROM BOTH SIDES’ is first and foremost an interesting Dialogue between two Friends, two eminent Journalists and a crossed vision of two media professionals, one Chinese and the other African (Beninese) on major international issues.

Ma Jiaying is a journalist and host of the international political programme ‘Rencontres’ on the international channel of China’s public television network CGTN.

Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi is a journalist specialising in international and Sino-African geopolitics and Governor of the Pan-African diplomacy and international relations magazine Le Label Diplomatique.

They have set themselves this challenge as a contribution to the community of humanity’s shared future, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, this Friday 18 April 2025.

Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi: In an almost prophetic essay, Alain Peyreffite said in 1973: ‘When China awakes, the world will tremble’. With the current escalation of tariffs by the United States against the whole world, and China in particular, some analysts see it as the death throes of a dying ‘animal’ or the swan song of the American superpower. Ma Jiaying, you are a journalist with CGTN and host of the international politics programme Rencontres. What is your opinion on this issue?

Ma Jiaying: I think this case needs to be examined from a broader historical and strategic perspective.
First of all, as the Chinese saying goes: ‘You have to be careful what you say as well as what you do’. Donald Trump has said on several occasions: ‘For decades, our country has been plundered, ransacked, raped and robbed by nations near and far’. But when we look at history, the first wave of globalisation was not led by China or Africa. It began with the post-Industrial Revolution Western powers who, under the pretext of trade, imposed their domination by force of arms. This first wave of globalisation was accompanied by a bloody colonial period, when countless prosperous kingdoms were plundered, ransacked and ruined. It is in this direction that we must look to see who has ‘plundered, ransacked, raped and despoiled’. Today, the United States has benefited from the wealth accumulated during this colonial era, it profits from the cheap goods offered by the international division of labour and it should also be noted that its trade deficit with the rest of the world is a sign of the hegemony of the dollar.
Secondly, we must not forget that the Great Depression of the 1930s was partly caused by trade protectionism. The international trading system established after the Second World War under American leadership was designed precisely to prevent the resurgence of protectionism. From the establishment of the colonial system to the creation of a trade order centred on the dollar, right up to the recent ‘reciprocal tariffs’ decreed by simple executive order, everything has always been dictated by American interests. However, since their implementation on 2 April, these measures have not solved any American problems, but have seriously disrupted the international economic order, hampered normal business production and affected household consumption. Countries that were once truly ‘plundered, ransacked, raped and despoiled’ are once again seeing their development threatened.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said that ‘by using tariffs as a weapon of maximum pressure to serve its selfish interests, the United States is placing its own gains above the common interests of the international community. This is typical behaviour of unilateralism, protectionism and economic intimidation’. I consider this to be an in-depth analysis of the nature of these tariff measures.

Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi, as a seasoned African journalist specialising in international and Sino-African issues, what is your assessment of this trade geopolitics of the apocalypse?

Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi: All international specialists were waiting to see whether President Donald Trump’s return to power would be accompanied by a climate of de-escalation of the trade war with Beijing, unlike his first term. However, no one was under any illusions about the status quo. After all, it is only natural that each of the world’s two economic superpowers should redouble its strategy, either to consolidate its strong presence on the international market (China), or to win back that same market (the United States). But we were still hoping that the trade competition would take place in a normal, regular way, because there are already too many tensions on the international political scene to add another layer of trade. But the unpredictable boss of the White House has decided to put his foot down. The questionable tariffs imposed by Washington marked a turning point in global trade relations.
These trade policies have had global repercussions, affecting not only relations between the United States and China, but also other countries caught up in this trade war. Ironically, Washington’s Western allies, who are also patent ‘blackmailers’ before the ETERNAL, have not escaped this tsunami of tariffs. The least we can say is that these tensions are having a negative impact on the stability of the world economy. What’s more, seen from Africa, this unilateral decision by the United States of America is the height of cynical imperialism and the perpetual arrogance of the Western capitalist model that is at the root of most of the continent’s woes. Africans are well aware that Westerners in general, and the United States of America in particular, are angry and jealous of the place that China occupies today in the Global South in general and Africa in particular, in the dynamic of concrete achievements for the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.
It is my firm belief that the United States of America will lose face in this trade war with China, the world’s largest developing country and the most authoritative representative of the Global South today, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, whose principles of peaceful coexistence revolutionised international law, diplomatic relations and the constitutions of most of the world’s countries.
Faced with this unprecedented trade crisis between the world’s two economic superpowers of the 3rd millennium, I feel like saying that there is even more reason to have respect for China which, through the ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative and the proposal for a community with a shared future for humanity, has been ahead of the game. To the point of isolating the United States of America in its folie de grandeur.

But tell me, Mrs Ma, what is the secret of the Chinese miracle?

Thank you for your question. I’m not an economist, but I can give you an opinion based on my personal experience,
Firstly, I believe it is the diligent work of the Chinese people. I recently made a trip to Shenzhen, the cradle of China’s policy of reform and opening up. I visited several companies specialising in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. They are all highly successful companies, but they have only modest offices, with entrepreneurs and engineers who are all extremely modest and humble. Some of them have been entrepreneurs for more than ten years, with a thousand and one failures, but are still pursuing their dream with zeal. But it is these modest souls, full of passion, who have built the most revolutionary machines. In the face of the American tariffs, national solidarity is also being organised: JD.com (the e-commerce giant), for example, has created specific channels to help exporters sell their stocks on the domestic market.
Secondly, there is the institutional advantage. Unlike electoral democracies where economic policies are often ‘cosmetic measures for the ballot box’, China can implement sustainable strategies focused on economic development and social well-being – without being hostage to electoral cycles.
Thirdly, I believe that this new situation offers an opportunity to deepen China’s open-mindedness. From the Special Economic Zones of the 1980s to the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, China has constantly expanded its openness. Last March, the Chinese President reaffirmed this before representatives of foreign companies at the People’s Assembly Palace: ‘China’s door will always open wider’. That is China’s attitude to the new US customs duties.

Mr Adjovi, as someone who knows a lot about international geopolitics, do you think that these extraordinary customs duties will have an impact on Africa and its foreign trade, particularly with Washington?

Let’s face it. The strict application of the increase in American customs duties will have a damaging impact on the African continent on two levels. This trade war unleashed by Washington will not only disrupt trade, but will also and above all increase the cost of African exports to the United States. Firstly, it will reduce the competitiveness of African products on the American market. The surcharges imposed by the United States make African exports more expensive, which may reduce their attractiveness on the American market. Secondly, there are concerns about AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act), which allowed African countries to export duty-free to the United States. A preferential measure called into question by these new measures. Certain countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire are particularly affected by the increase in these tariffs, because of their strategic role in trade with the United States. As the main exporter of crude oil to Washington, Nigeria is subject to high taxes on its energy exports. South Africa, as a major exporter of precious metals, steel and vehicles (notably BMWs), is directly targeted by the new US taxes. Finally, Côte d’Ivoire has some concerns about its cocoa and other agricultural exports to the United States.
Thirdly, the new US tariffs are having an impact on local economies on the African continent. Countries such as Lesotho, Madagascar and Mauritius are facing heavy taxes because of their dependence on certain key economic sectors. Lesotho is the hardest hit, with customs duties of up to 50% on its exports, particularly in the textile sector, which accounts for a large part of its economy. This situation poses a direct threat to jobs in textile factories, which employ around 12,000 people. Also in the textile sector, Malagasy products are subject to a 47% tax. This is seriously affecting the country’s competitiveness on the American market. Given that the textile sector accounts for 19% of Madagascar’s gross domestic product, it’s a safe bet that the government will lose revenue and that thousands of jobs will be seriously threatened. In the same vein, Mauritian exports in the textile, jewellery and fishing sectors are subject to a 40% tax.
Although trade with the United States only accounts for 10% of Mauritian foreign trade, these taxes threaten companies that depend exclusively on the American market. Fourthly, the new US customs duties have sparked reactions across the continent. Reactions have ranged from negotiating new tariff agreements with the United States to limit the damage to reorienting trade, including strengthening economic ties with a major trading partner like China.

This year coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which is a model of strategic partnership for the global South and an example to follow in the cooperation of the major Western powers with Africa. Seen from China, what does the future hold for China-Africa relations, and do you think that China and Africa can together lead the world towards a more humane future?

Your question about humanity is very touching. It reminds me of the recent words of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: ‘We are standing up to tyranny to prevent humanity from sinking back into the law of the jungle’. Colonial history reveals a bitter irony: the colonial powers promoted globalisation when they benefited from it, but oppose it as soon as their interests are threatened. So where is the justice in this variable-geometry globalisation for nations that were once plundered? Where is the humanism? You mentioned the ‘community of shared destiny’. This Chinese concept could perhaps breathe new life into globalisation. The concept of peace and development together has its origins in traditional Chinese philosophy. In China, it is said that ‘a single flower does not make a spring’. Today, faced with the complexity of the international situation, China still believes that openness, inclusion and mutually beneficial cooperation are the right way forward. For example, since 1 December 2024, China has granted zero tariff treatment for 100% of products from 33 least developed African countries that have diplomatic relations with the country. It has thus become the first major emerging economy to implement such a measure. A Chinese proverb says that ‘When you cross the river in the same boat, you have to work together’, while an African sage teaches that ‘If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together.’ Our parallel histories – from Zheng He’s peaceful expeditions to the Bandung Conference you mention, to FOCAC – make our partnership a model of South-South cooperation. Allow me to paraphrase, in a double sense, Alain Peyreffite whom you also mentioned at the beginning. ‘When America loses its mind, the world suffers’ and “when China and Africa move forward hand in hand, the world benefits”.

And you, Mr Adjovi, how do you see Sino-African relations in the current context?

The US tariff war will strengthen and amplify Sino-African cooperation, which is already a model strategic partnership for the Global South and an example for the major Western powers to follow in their relations with Africa. In concrete terms, the increase in US tariffs will prompt many African countries to diversify their trade partnerships and turn more towards China. In this respect, and whatever happens, there will be an increase in trade between China and Africa. As Africa’s leading trading partner since 2008, with bilateral trade reaching US$282 billion by 2023, the ‘Middle Kingdom’ offers alternatives to the US market. African exports, particularly raw materials and agricultural products, find a major outlet in China. To this end, since 1 December 2024, and as you rightly pointed out, China has applied zero tariff treatment to 100% of imports from 33 African countries classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), including my country Benin. This measure, announced by President Xi Jinping at the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), aims to reduce the trade imbalance between China and Africa. As part of this initiative, 140 new agricultural products will benefit from this exemption, including rice, wheat, sugar, cotton, soya oil, cigarettes, wood, wool and paper. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to support the economic development of African LDCs and strengthen Sino-African cooperation.
Moreover, Chinese investment in Africa preceded and prevented the trade tensions with the United States. Under FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, China is stepping up its investment in Africa, particularly in infrastructure, industrial zones and energy projects. This will enable African countries to reduce their dependence on Western markets in general and the US market in particular. To mark this new stage in Sino-African relations, China and African countries elevated their cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership, at the end of the 9th FOCAC held in Beijing from 4 to 6 September 2024. Sino-African relations now include efforts to reduce the use of the dollar in trade transactions, favouring trade in local currencies or the yuan.

All in all, these dynamics show how current global trade tensions are redefining economic partnerships, with China playing a central role in Africa’s economic development. Without being vindictive, Africa has not forgotten the slavery, colonisation and rampant neo-colonialism to which it has fallen victim at the hands of the West. It is often said that it is in misfortune that one recognises one’s true friends. Following in the footsteps of the principles of peaceful coexistence that emerged from the Bandung Conference, and on the basis of the cardinal values of China’s millennia-old civilisation – mutual respect, effective results, friendship and sincerity – as repeatedly reiterated by President Xi Jinping, Chinese diplomacy is offering Africa and the rest of the world a Community with a shared future for humanity. It is my firm belief that the US tariff war is the death knell of a moribund Western model whose swan song Washington is singing. We are on the threshold of a new world order that will see China and the entire Global South in general, as well as China and Africa in particular, lead the world, notably through President Xi Jinping’s three salutary initiatives relating to global development, global security and global civilisation. As an optimist by nature, I want to say that all is not lost for humanity. A new sun is about to rise!

Ma Jiaying: Thank you, Mr. Adjovi. It is a real pleasure for me to speak with you, especially on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference you mentioned, which ushered in a new era in international relations.

Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi: It is a shared pleasure, Ms. Ma, to take this opportunity to recall the history of the Bandung Conference, sealed by principles of peaceful coexistence, so that together, you in Beijing and I in Cotonou, we can take a fair look at globalization in this era of international geopolitics of customs duties.