With Chinese lending to Africa shrinking, the continent must find ways to support its own development. It could do so by increasing internal trade, diversifying tradeable goods away from commodities, and developing its relationship with the U.S.

The deteriorating bilateral relationship can benefit from expert input from the business community as Beijing and Washington redraw the lines in strategic industries. Business ties can also play a stabilizing and humanizing role as dialogue channels shrink elsewhere.

Opportunities to participate in global governance and diplomacy will broaden young people’s horizons and deepen their understanding of China and the world.