China As a Conflict Mediator

The Mercator Institute for China Studies published on 22 August 2018 a brief analysis titled "China As a Conflict Mediator: Maintaining Stability Along the Belt and Road" by Helena Legarda.

The author argues that China is increasing its conflict resolution efforts along the Belt and Road, including in Africa. Beijing reportedly pays more attention to its international mediation efforts and publicizes its activities more actively. This allows China to present itself as a responsible global actor. The author adds that so far China has failed to produce a long-term sustainable peace process in any of these conflicts.

While China has increased its diplomatic engagement in conflict issues, with rare exception, its involvement hardly qualifies as serving as a mediator in the normal use of the term. China's efforts are neither sustained nor are they necessarily designed to reach a solution.