China’s increasing engagement in conflict-affected states brings risks and opportunities

China’s growing involvement in countries where peace is fragile brings new responsibilities and policy choices for Beijing, as well as a new reality for Western donors and policy makers. These changes create risks and opportunities for peace and stability in conflict-affected states, according to a new Saferworld briefing and report based on a 12-month research project in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and South Sudan.

China and conflict affected states – risks and opportunities for building peace summarises the impacts of China’s growing economic, diplomatic and military engagement in conflict-affected states and analyses the implications for peacebuilding.  The briefing also offers recommendations for policy makers in China and the West focused on fostering a culture of dialogue, bridging the current policy gap regarding conflict-affected states, and creating an enabling international architecture. A key conclusion is that as Beijing’s approach towards conflict-affected countries evolves, there is an unprecedented opportunity for China and the West to develop more complementary approaches in support of peace.

A full research report, China and conflict-affected states – between principle and pragmatism, has also been published. It is a detailed report of the research findings and conclusions, and includes in-depth case studies of the specific contexts in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan and South Sudan.

Ivan Campbell, Senior Advisor on Conflict and Security at Saferworld, said: “The reports are particularly relevant in light of disputes over oil in Sudan and South Sudan – countries where China has growing economic interests. The reports highlight the need for policy makers in both China and the West to overcome the obstacles to dialogue and to recognise the benefits of a more harmonised approach in conflict-affected states.”

The publications are part of a broader Saferworld programme on how a changing world order and the emergence of rising powers are altering the context for international efforts to support peace.

Read the briefing: China and conflict affected states – risks and opportunities for building peace

Read the full report: China and conflict-affected states – between principle and pragmatism

Case studies:

China's approach

Sri Lanka

Nepal

South Sudan and Sudan