How TCM is expanding China’s soft power in Africa – from Tunisia to Chad

Tunisia has unveiled a new Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture Clinical Skills Training Centre, just months after the country’s health minister, Mustapha Ferjani, made a visit to China.

The facility, located at Mongi Slim University Hospital, just 18km (11 miles) from the capital Tunis, was opened on Friday and is a direct result of the two nations reaching a series of agreements on health cooperation during the February visit.

Chinese ambassador to Tunisia, Wan Li, said the centre was the “latest achievement of China-Tunisia traditional medicine cooperation” and that “China and Tunisia will continue to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical and healthcare”.

For decades, Beijing has been sending medical teams to Africa, promoting TCM to help build goodwill and cultural ties.

The growing number of facilities across Africa, such as in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Mauritius and Morocco, is part of China’s strategy to use health diplomacy and cultural exchange to expand its soft power on the continent.

A similar TCM training facility was also opened on September 20, in Chad at the Chad-China Friendship Hospital. The event was attended by Shi Ke, vice-governor of Jiangxi province, reflecting the official importance attached to TCM in strengthening ties.

South China Morning Post