Xinhua News photo of Chinese Engineers arriving in Darfur as part of the United Nations/African Union hybrid peacekeeping force in 2007.
In 2007, China took a step forward in its global engagement by appointing a special Africa envoy to focus on Darfur. Prior to this move China had been increasing its activity and influence in Africa mostly through unconditional aid aimed at gaining access to oil and minerals and gaining allies on the world stage, particularly in the United Nations. Part of its engagement in Darfur was driven by the international attention and pressure it was receiving in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, seen by China as a coming-out party to highlight its emergence as a world power. Part of it was likely an enlightened self-interest, the realization that being seen as a contributor to peace and stability in the world, and indeed stability itself, was good for business.
Whatever the reason, China has taken a higher profile and is increasingly claiming to be playing a helpful role in places like Sudan. This is being echoed by others, including Nick Kristof, who is usually critical of China. In answering question from readers alongside President Jimmy Carter, Kristof wrote recently that, “China has played a surprisingly helpful role in the last few months…it became engaged in the diplomacy to avoid war, built ties with the south, and (as far as I can tell) exerted a moderating influence on the north.” Kristof qualifies this by noting that China has been decidedly unhelpful in the past and is acting in its own self-interest, but any praise is notable.
Not surprisingly, China is also seeking to highlight the credit it believes is due. Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang wrote recently in the Financial Times that China in recent years has arranged nearly $4 billion of debt relief for 50 developing countries, contributed over 15,000 peacekeepers, and actively mediated in Darfur. The latter claim of “actively” mediating in Darfur is questionable at best, but fits the broader rhetoric. As Keqiang writes, “China’s development will not be possible without the world – and world development needs China. We are committed to work even more closely with other countries to create a bright future for all.”
Next Wednesday, China’s President, Hu Jintao, will be coming to Washington to meet with President Obama. It is almost certain that the referendum in Sudan, and hopefully Darfur, will be on the agenda. President Obama should urge China to live up to its rhetoric.
This week, the Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network sent a letter to President Obama asking him to raise several important points in this regard. In particular, China continues to supply arms to the Government of Sudan, which, despite empty guarantees, are ending up in Darfur. The most recent report of the UN Panel of Experts for Sudan, anticipated for release tomorrow, is expected to document exactly this. China should also be encouraged to improve economic transparency in its oil and infrastructure contracts both in the north and south of Sudan and to sign a join statement addressing critical issues such as the road forward on post-referendum arrangements.
As the letter states, “the positive engagement of China will be as critical as ongoing United States’ involvement in the future of north and south Sudan.” As China claims to assume greater responsibilities in Sudan, a joint statement and tangible progress on the issues raised above would go a long way in showing that this is more than just hollow rhetoric.
Chinese President Hu Jintao is in Washington this week as part of a state visit to the US. President Obama met with the Chinese leader this afternoon for a “frank and candid” discussion on a range of topics, including Sudan. At a 
As violence increases in Darfur, the arms embargo – put in place by the UN Security Council five years ago to help reduce violence – is still a joke. 
