2025-09-02
39 分钟The Economist. That's America's president, Donald Trump, berating South Africa's leader,
President Cyril Ramaphosa about what Donald Trump falsely calls a genocide against white farmers in South Africa.
It was a stark contrast with the welcome that Mr. Ramaphosa received on a visit to Beijing late last year.
Soldiers saluted,
flowers were offered and performers in rainbow outfits in a nod to the rainbow nation he represents danced jubilantly.
Lots of countries are under pressure from Trump's America but South Africa is being singled out.
It's the only African country with its own executive order accusing it of all kinds of crimes.
Beyond accusations of genocide,
the Trump administration has cut aid to Africa's largest economy and slapped it with tariffs of 30%.
And now voices on the left in South Africa are saying,
do they really need to mend fences with America?
Because after all, they have the support of another superpower, China.
I'm David Rennie, the Economist's Geopolitics Editor.
I'm back in the Drum Tower hot seat this week and I'm joined by John McDermott,
our Chief Africa Correspondent.
And we're asking, as South Africa faces a bully in Washington, is China its trump card?
This is Drum Tower from The Economist.
John, welcome to Drum Tower.
Great to see you.
Hi, David.