When National Security Adviser John Bolton unveiled a new U.S. strategy for Africa in December, its overarching purpose was clear: containing China. Yet the strategy suffers from two fundamental paradoxes that will undermine its goals, which include promoting U.S. investment to spur African prosperity.

Washington and Beijing are a little over two weeks away from their self-imposed March 1st deadline to reach a sweeping trade agreement that addresses China’s alleged unfair trade practices. If they fail, and the current truce in their trade war ends with no deal, the costs will be substantial.