Biden’s Policies May Test Nigeria-China Relations–Experts

Experts in international affairs have suggested that President Joe Biden’s desire to return the United States to the centre of global politics and world economy, and displace China, may cause a strain in the relationship between Nigeria and the Chinese.

Biden’s policy on immigration and cooperation will test the growing influence of China in Nigeria and other countries, according to experts who spoke to THE WHISTLER.

The two super powers both have huge investments in Nigeria, and experts believe the leadership of the country would have to tread carefully.

A lecturer in International Politics at the University of Abuja, Dr. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, said that Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. may be strained by its growing affinity with China.

He said that while the Biden administration’s policies, especially on immigration, is a welcome development, the Government of Nigeria would have to take wise diplomatic steps in relating with U.S. and China.

“China now, is a big partner and sister to Nigeria and Africa. China has emerged…to serve as a father to African countries and Nigeria by providing substantial aid. Currently as we speak, we have about 6,800 Nigerians studying in China. We have seen so many projects executed in Nigeria by Chinese companies, in terms of power, communication, foreign direct investments.

“When Trump started challenging China with trade wars, it has not been easy. So if the Biden administration will continue with the legacy of its predecessor, then there is going to be a continuous trade war with China which will actually have a spillover effect on Africa, including Nigeria.

“So we don’t want that superpower rivalry between China and U.S. to continue because Nigeria is one of the top 40 countries with which China trade with,” he said.

Speaking further on the development, another expert, an International Relations lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Dr Riya’uddeen Maitama, told THE WHISTLER on Saturday, that the U.S./China trade dispute has always been there and both countries view Nigeria as a hub of investment.

He stressed that the country may not be affected by the trade war between the two major powers but added that Nigeria would have to be committed to its own interests to succeed.

“The trade war dispute between China and U.S. is not a new phenomenon, this trade started since the regime of Obama and U.S. foreign policy indicated categorically that it will try to contend the growing influence of China in the world particularly economically and politically.

“Under the regime of President Trump, it did not make any significant impact in changing Nigeria’s relations with the U.S., so also, in this present Government of Biden, I doubt if that will affect Nigeria’s relations with the U.S.

“Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. is a very cordial and historic one and they have been partnering in many developmental issues in Africa and in the world.

“The only thing which is even clear is that both parties will never ask any country to stop trading with another because this trading is in terms of things that are necessary for the development of a particular country; there is no way the U.S. will say that Nigeria must stop importation of needed materials, goods and services from China.

” China will never say that Nigeria must not buy from U.S. as Nigeria is a defense ally of U.S., buying arms and other things and Nigeria has investment in U.S. and U.S. is one of the top buyers of Nigerian oil.

“This kind of relationship will remain, based on our own expectation.

“As well, Chinese investment in Nigerian, especially the loan credit that Nigeria secured to develop infrastructure is there , it is coming and Nigeria will keep on pushing for more loans to finance infrastructure.

“Nigeria must trade with caution in its relations with major powers particularly to make sure that as a country, they have their own national interest and they project their interest at all cost, in their relations with these economic powers,” he said.

He also said that the foreign policy of the adminstration of Biden seemed to be appreciated by Nigerians because the U.S. is a global power whose behavior can affect other countries.

Biden had reversed the immigrant visa ban (and deportation of illegal immigrants) placed on Nigeria and some other countries on Wednesday.

There have been positive reactions from Nigerian politicians, government and people.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Thursday, said he would strengthen Nigeria’s relations with U.S. to tackle global terrorism, climate change, poverty, as well as improving economic ties and trade.

According to him, stakeholders were happy because they want to explore the U.S. for their own good in terms of finding greener pastures.

He said the U.S. occupies an influencial position, hence, the excitement trailing the reversal of travel ban by Biden.

“Biden is trying to shift grounds and change the policy to be accommodating immigrants and particularly those with African origin.

“Additionally, it is also symbolizing the U.S. as a global hegemonic power in the context of globalization trying to unify the whole world politically, economically, even socially by accepting people of different entities, background, orientation, race…

“For Nigerians, it is a hope that they have that subsequently many Nigerian migrants will get a kind of asylum, they will get accepted, they will get all their papers with the U.S. and the U.S. will keep on accommodating them and that is also important in terms of how it has played a key role in terms foreign transfers to our economy.

“Most of these immigrants will stay in U.S., work and transfer fund to their relatives and families down to Nigeria and which will definitely impart the economy of our country and many African countries,” he said.