“She called for “a win-win-win situation” in Africa, one in which the United States and China would work together to promote values there such as good governance, gender equity and the rule of law,” according to a copy of the speech obtained by the Post.
“I see no reason why China cannot share in those values. In fact, China is in a unique position to spread these ideals given its strong footprint on the continent,” Thomas-Greenfield added in the speech.
The Post continued its summary, noting Thomas-Greenfield “touted Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative” and “criticized the Trump administration”:
She touted Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and noted China’s vast expansion into all aspects of African economic and even cultural life. She criticized the Trump administration for treating Africa as a battleground for great power competition. She said the United States and China are not in a cold war and the notion that U.S.-China competition could be good for Africa is false. Thomas-Greenfield also seemed to excuse Beijing’s debt-trap diplomacy in Africa.
“Those who would criticize Chinese predatory lending or the governments who accept these deals must also acknowledge that in many cases, the United States and the West is not showing up or offering viable alternatives. This is especially the case because U.S. investment in diplomatic engagement is lagging,” she added.
In addition to Thomas-Greenfield’s weak China stance, the location of her speech is also concerning. Confucius Institutes are funded by the Chinese government.
The well-funded, controversial operations disguise themselves as language and culture initiative despite being replete with “undisclosed ties to Chinese institutions, and conflicted loyalties,” Chinese state propaganda, and intellectual property theft, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
