Економічна дипломатія КНР в Південній Африці: еволюція від ресурсно орієнтованої моделі до комплексної інфраструктурної інтеграції

The article examines the evolution of the economic diplomacy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the countries of Southern Africa in the context of the transformation of its strategic priorities from the resource-oriented model of the early 2000s to the current infrastructure-integration strategy. The main instruments, mechanisms, and directions of the PRC’s economic diplomacy have been systematized, and its impact on regional economic processes and the transformation of the trade and investment environment has been assessed. It is substantiated that the evolution of Chinese economic diplomacy is characterized by an increasing role of infrastructure projects, financial cooperation, and integration initiatives that contribute to strengthening regional economic stability and integrating Southern Africa into global economic processes. Key principles for adapting advanced international practices to national conditions have been identified, including the balance between economic interests and political influence, strategic planning, and the use of mutually beneficial partnership mechanisms. The models of economic diplomacy of various countries have been analyzed in terms of their effectiveness and compliance with the principles of sustainable economic development, and directions for further research on optimizing foreign economic policy in the context of global competition and regional integration have been outlined. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the evolution of PRC economic diplomacy in Southern Africa demonstrates a consistent transformation of strategic priorities from the exploitation of natural resources to a comprehensive influence on the regional economy through infrastructure and financial initiatives. This underscores the importance of a systematic approach to analyzing international practices as a tool for shaping effective foreign economic policy capable of combining a state’s economic interests with the strengthening of its regional and global influence.