Joint manoeuvres by South African, Russian and Chinese troops in South Africa. Chinese investments in ports and another key infrastructure across almost the full continent. Russian mercenaries in successive African states supporting revolts and pacifications. African states are reluctant to vote to condemn Russia's criminal aggression against Ukraine and accepting visits by Russian leaders headed by Sergei Lavrov. Subsequent information of this kind causes concern and an open question whether Russia and China have already won a kind of “battle for hearts and minds” of most African countries. And at the same time, does expanding instability through successive coups or civilian wars advance the long-term efficiency of Sino-Russian activities?
