Harris' Africa trip: Balancing diplomacy and countering China's influence.

Vice President Kamala Harris' trip to Africa has highlighted China's deep influence on the continent, with Beijing financing numerous infrastructure projects and becoming Africa's largest two-way trading partner. The Biden administration is concerned about Africa slipping further into China's sphere of influence, but Harris has focused on building partnerships independent of geopolitical competition. African leaders often view China's influence as positive, with infrastructure projects generating goodwill among citizens. However, the debt that comes from China's involvement is ultimately corrosive, and the U.S. is hoping to make inroads on the continent with promises of economic development and security assistance.