China, Africa and Responsible International Engagement by Yanzhuo Xu

Author:Yanzhuo Xu [Xu, Yanzhuo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Political Science, General, International Relations, World, African, Asian, Social Science, Ethnic Studies, African Studies
ISBN: 9781351711456
Google: zLU4DwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 36872596
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2017-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

6.5 Conclusion

Beijing has had a relationship with Khartoum for more than two decades, and initially, its engagement in Sudan had no major difference with Beijing’s engagement with other African countries. But the extreme crisis in Darfur and South Sudan challenged China’s role and impact in Sudan. In response to the changing politics and different issues within the country, Beijing’s Sudan policy developed towards a more pragmatic and complex approach. China’s role in the ongoing conflicts in Darfur and attitude towards the newly established South Sudan showed that China has interests beyond access to resources and purely business-related considerations in Africa. The Sudan case tested the limits of China’s traditional “non-interference” principle and its “oil for infrastructure” approach. In the face of international pressure and the negative impact on Beijing’s reputation, China has pursued a more comprehensive approach to Sudan, with more cooperation on international intervention and resolutions. It is worth noting that Beijing’s priority does not intrinsically contradict that of the international community. Its concern with investment protection requires political stability and peace in Sudan. The extent to which the Chinese government is inclined to support Khartoum is not driven by its oil demands, nor arms trade profits, but is rather because of the perceived capability of the Bashir regime to control the situation and maintain peace in the region.

However, playing a constructive and balanced role in an unstable environment is no easy task for Beijing, especially when it has to protect its investments. China’s Sudan responsibility was shaped by finding a compromise between the divergent interests of Beijing, Khartoum, Juba, rebels and international society. Constrained by its limited influence in Khartoum and the mistrust of South Sudan and the Darfur opposition, Beijing’s Sudan policy has deviated from its original intent. The incapability to manage the situation in Sudan also brought Chinese oil companies into a vulnerable situation and had often exposed them as targets of armed groups working against Khartoum. Witness 10 suggested,

In order to have an effective African policy, the Chinese government should cooperate and coordinate with Europe and the US in mediating the crisis and make its measures more transparent to its Western counterparts. Even if there are criticisms towards Beijing in the first place, China still needs to insist on doing that.

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