Waiting for Peace

Abstract

China’s long-standing non-interference policy has been discarded in practice. In Libya, Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere, China is working to safeguard its nationals and economic interests and make peace in overseas conflicts. South Sudan represents a pioneering case for China’s diplomats entering peace talks abroad, Chinese business managers to engage in corporate responsibility, and Chinese soldiers to join the Blue Helmets of United Nations peacekeeping. Despite the efforts of Chinese oilmen and diplomats in the African country, China has struggled to shape events on the ground. Beijing’s willingness to strike short-term, transactional deals with rebel groups undermines long-term stability. Chinese peacekeepers cannot overcome the inherent challengers of modern United Nations peacekeeping. Chinese actors in the country, from arms dealers to oil companies, often frustrate one another’s interests. Neither does China coordinate well with other foreign powers, as geopolitical tensions with the United States cloud mutual interests in building peace in South Sudan, Myanmar, and other overseas conflicts.