South Africa's Protests, China-Africa Trade and Global South Politics

Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa have raised difficult questions about race, class, and who gets targeted during waves of xenophobic anger. While Black African migrants have faced growing hostility, Chinese migrants and other foreign communities have largely avoided the same scrutiny.

This week, Eric, Cobus, and Géraud examine why that is, and what it reveals about poverty, politics, and state dysfunction in South Africa. They also unpack a new set of China-South Africa trade protocols that could quietly expand bilateral trade, especially as Pretoria's relationship with Washington becomes more strained.

Finally, they reflect on recent conversations in Nairobi, South Africa, Beijing, and New York about China, Africa, and the Global South's place in a rapidly changing world order.

📌 Topics Covered in This Episode

South Africa's anti-immigrant protests

Why some migrants are targeted

Are Chinese migrants part of the backlash?

China-South Africa trade protocols

Africa's trade imbalance with China

African agency in U.S.-China competition

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