Peking University, May 31, 2023: Deborah Brautigam, Bernard L. Schwartz Professor of International Political Economy Emerita and Director of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) China-Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at Johns Hopkins University, was invited by the Peking University Center for African Studies to deliver a lecture in the PKU Science Building on the evening of May 30, 2023, regarding China-US competition and Africa’s debt problem. 

Moderated by Professor Wang Jinjie of the PKU Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, the lecture also shed light on China’s involvement in global economic governance.

Poster of Professor Brautigam’s lecture (Photo: PKU Center for African Studies)

Throughout the lecture, Brautigam gave a comprehensive overview of world financial institutions and China’s role within the international society based on the theme of China’s foreign policy with Chinese characteristics. The professor noted that China, which is focusing on the building of a “Community with a Shared Future,” can overcome challenges through constant communication and cooperation with major players like G7 countries. While discussing relations between China and African countries, she highlighted the need for long-term solutions in order to deal with potential economic crises surrounding the African continent. 

Professor Brautigam at the beginning of the lecture (Photo: Vincent Jeong/PKU News)

After the lecture, Wang Yong and Chen Muyang from the School of International Studies (SIS) expanded upon the topic through a discussion with Brautigam to draw questions from the students.

(From left) Professor Brautigam, Professor Wang, and Professor Chen during Q&A (Photo: Cheah Cheng Kyat/PKU News)

Students present at the lecture hail from countries around the globe, many of whom have read Brautigam’s work and raised several insightful questions revolving around the development of Africa and suggestions on how major powers like China can further their contributions to the continent’s overall development. 

Students listening attentively to Professor Brautigam’s sharing (Photo: Cheah Cheng Kyat/PKU News)

Responding to students' questions, Brautigam provided valuable insights on how the development of the African region can be improved, such as remaining consistently attractive to foreign investors and being long-term oriented to retain local capital and talents. Effective communication between regional stakeholders and major international powers is also needed to foster and improve cooperation, she added.

Professor Brautigam sharing research statistics with students (Photo: Cheah Cheng Kyat/PKU News)

Written by: Vincent Jeong & Cheah Cheng Kyat (Eugene)
Edited by: Dennis Meng