Africa is a test lab for how China approaches international security and peacekeeping: non-interference but not indifference
- China’s policy requires that it not interfere in its partners’ internal affairs or strategies for development
- However, Beijing generously funds security in Africa to meet international commitments on protecting civilians
The 1st China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing in July was impressive. Out of the 54 African countries – including eSwatini, which has no diplomatic relations with China – 50 nations and the African Union sent high-powered delegations, including 15 defence ministers and chiefs of defence forces, to attend the week-long forum.
China’s ubiquitous economic activities in Africa are well known. But fewer people know that China’s military has been involved in the continent for decades. From the late 1950s to the 1970s, the People’s Liberation Army trained thousands of African “freedom fighters” who played a decisive role in fighting against colonialist rulers for national independence. Among them are seven African presidents, including president Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, president Sam Nujoma of Namibia and President Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea.
A global China today has to answer this question: how to protect China’s ever-growing overseas interests and shoulder the international obligations incumbent upon a major power? These interests are particularly vulnerable in the Middle East and Africa, and there are good and bad lessons to learn.
Africa is a lab to test China’s outlook for global security governance. Beijing’s “five-no” policies towards Africa – that is, no interference in ways of development; no interference in domestic affairs; no forcing China’s will upon Africa countries; no help with political conditions attached, and; no pursuit of selfish political interests in investments and financing towards Africa – could be applied virtually anywhere else in the world.
