The History and Overall Economic Influence of Chinese Healthcare Aid in Africa

Abstract

The motivation of the Chinese on soft power economic development goes beyond healthcare diplomacy. Chinese firms and construction projects are all over the African continent. Across the continent, there has also been a noticeable decline in American hospitals being built in relation to Chinese hospitals being built. This has been one of the factors contributing to the reduction of the USA's previous hold on economic development throughout Africa. Notably, China has increased its involvement in global health governance. As the largest developing country and the second largest economy in the world, China's engagement in global health governance should be given considerable attention as the PRC has been providing medical assistance in various ways to African now for almost six decades. Despite initial concerns, this has steadily continued even throughout COVID-19.