US business in Africa and alliances: France with India and Vietnam with the Philippines

Despite common interests with Russia and China, Angola decided to ally with the USA and Europe as part of the construction of a railway corridor worth USD 250 million. It will transport cobalt, copper and other critical minerals from Angola and its neighbours, allowing for the diversification of supplies to the US of raw materials crucial for the green transformation. A solar energy farm will also be built along the tracks. According to the Americans, the warming relations with Angola can serve as a model of economic cooperation with countries that have sometimes felt neglected by the US or have so far been presented as pawns in geopolitical manoeuvres.

India and France will cooperate to produce helicopters, submarines and other defence equipment for the Indian army and friendly countries. As part of the agreement, the largest Indian conglomerate, Tata Group and European Airbus also signed an agreement on producing H125 civilian helicopters. Both countries will expand cooperation in nuclear energy, space research and the use of AI in public services, e.g., climate change, health and agriculture.

Vietnam and the Philippines will cooperate on maritime security in the South China Sea, using their coast guards to prevent and manage incidents in disputed waters. The alliance is a response to the actions of China, which claims the right to control almost the entire area of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory.