Temporary Resolution of Niger-Benin Dispute Allows Oil to Go to China

 The South China Morning Post published on 21 May 2024 an article titled "After Talks with China, Benin Eases Oil Export Ban against Niger."

Benin allowed a shipment of crude oil that arrived by a Chinese-built pipeline from Niger to depart for China following discussion with a delegation from state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation.  China has considerable economic leverage with both countries and likely used it to end their dispute, thus allowing the oil to depart by ship.  

Niger Signs Oil Deal with China as It Moves Away from France and US

 The South China Morning Post published on 17 April 2024 an article titled "Chinese State Firm Agrees to US$400m Loan for Niger Junta in Return for Oil" by Jevans Nyabiage.

Niger's military government signed a $400 million deal with the China National Petroleum Corporation, which will be repaid in crude oil shipments within 12 months at an interest rate of 7 percent.  This deal comes as Niger turns away from France and the United States and towards China and Russia.

China Avoids Taking Sides in Libya Conflict

The South China Morning Post published on 28 January 2020 an opinion piece titled "Here's the Real Reason China Isn't Taking Sides in Libya" by Alessandro Arduino, National University of Singapore.

One of China's state-owned oil companies has significant investments in Libya that have been interrupted since the overthrow in 2011 of Muammar Gaddafi. China opposes foreign military intervention in Libya and has avoided taking the side of either the Libyan Government of National Accord or the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar. According to the author, China is placing bets on both sides to protect its oil interests and Libya's role in the Belt and Road Initiative.