In Addition to Chinese Pressure, a Backsliding Democracy May Explain Zambia’s Decision to Cancel a Major Human Rights Summit

Zambia canceled RightsCon, a major human rights summit, citing 'national values' and 'public interest,' with organizers attributing the move to Chinese pressure over Taiwanese participants. The article highlights China's deep economic influence in Zambia, particularly in copper mining, energy infrastructure, and healthcare, which has created structural dependencies.