China will extend zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties from Friday, in what Beijing called a “significant measure” to deepen China-Africa trade and investment ties.
… Access Now said in a statement that the 2026 edition of RightsCon - a long-running conference devoted to digital rights due to kick off in the Zambian capital of Lusaka on Tuesday - was canceled after Chinese diplomats pressured Zambia’s government over the presence of Taiwanese civil society figures due to attend the conference …
… The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Calls rang unanswered at the Zambian Embassy in Washington …
Edit: Oh, and btw, African countries have a huge and increasing trade deficit with China as Chinese companies increasingly control Africa’s commodities while selling back high-end products to the continent. It’s basically mercantilism with Chinese characteristics as usual.
Yeah, the exemption is Eswatini over its ties to Taiwan.
Zambia’s government, on the other hand, has special ties to China (but they should grow a spine).
Advocacy group Access Now says major human rights conference was canceled after Chinese pressure on Zambia
Edit: Oh, and btw, African countries have a huge and increasing trade deficit with China as Chinese companies increasingly control Africa’s commodities while selling back high-end products to the continent. It’s basically mercantilism with Chinese characteristics as usual.