Security and Development, the Two Wins of China's African Strategy: Initial Research into China's Win-Win Strategy's for African Security

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is lauded as a watershed for stability and African peace by China, while the West cautions their African partners against supposed false promises. Under Xi Jinping, China adopted a “win-win” foreign policy, in which what benefits their partners benefits China and vice versa. Despite these promises, the continent continues to suffer from violence, with the number of armed conflicts continually increasing. At the systemic level, neither the BRI nor the win-win methodology act as bulwarks against either interstate or intrastate conflict, as such the international community must explore the rationale and intentions behind China's renewed involvement in Africa. Through an analysis of Chinese pronouncements and documentation, Chinese and Western academic analysis, and conflict assessment data, the international community can better understand China's views on conflict assessment and prevention, as well as China's involvement in international peacekeeping. China's pledge of a novel approach to international development holds promise for developing nations; however, it must be understood that China's approach yields similar results to Western aid and more opportunities for misuse.