In the wake of a trade war with the United States and an economic downturn, China’s state-run media have ramped up efforts in promoting the country’s financial and political gains in developing African nations.
The media has focused on economic prosperity in the African continent with friendly and “unsophisticated” locals—a description that Chinese online news outlet The Paper.cn used to describe the people of Nigeria.
Specifically, two Chinese engineers have shared the spotlight. They were given the titles of “chiefs” in west African countries after providing their engineering services, according to various Chinese media outlets. The titles are backed by the leadership in the countries.
The Chinese Chieftains: Kong Tao and Zheng Xiaopeng
Zheng Xiaopeng was awarded a Chieftain title in the west African countries of Ghana in January 2019, and Nigeria in December 2018, according to Chinese app-based news outlet Tianyun. Kong Tao received his title in Nigeria in 2018, but did not officially accepted it until April 2019, according to The Paper.cn.The two men have similarities in their backgrounds. Both were born in the 1980s; both are from Henan Province, China; and both graduated with majors in engineering.
Chinese media emphasized the importance of the chieftain positions as they carry a degree of political and administrative power, but did not give details on what they can actually do.
Kong began his career as a railroad engineer in Nigeria in 2010 for China Civil Engineering Group, according to Tianyun. He took part in designing the railroad for Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
Little information was given about Zheng’s work background, saying only that he is an electrical engineer with a focus on automation, and that he now works for the Beijing Huayuan Guardian Security Service Group, according to The Paper.cn.
One Belt, One Road
Chinese media reports may have given attention to the two men’s awards to stir interest about the African continent.China’s foreign infrastructure projects are the major point of its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. Nigeria is a member of this OBOR initiative, and the above mentioned railroad is a project that the country has purchased from China.