War on the Rocks posted on 4 August 2021 a commentary titled "Continuity and Change in China's Strategy to Protect Overseas Interests" by Andrea Ghiselli, Fudan University.
The author argues that China's overseas, including Africa, security strategy is to put the burden on Chinese companies and organizations to ensure the safety of their employees. They can do this by paying more attention to risk management and using the services of private security companies. The direct role of the People's Liberation Army has not changed. At the same time, China will work with and support local security forces so that they can ensure the safety of Chinese interests. Chinese decision-makers have been pragmatic and cautious, well aware of the risks and costs that a more active use of the military to protect their country's interests overseas would entail.