China’s Four Peace Rules for Africa—Will They Work?

Beijing has a new plan for handling African conflicts and sensitive issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping presented the plan during a meeting this month with Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbe. The plan is built on four principles that link peace to development. The first principle focuses on African-led security, free from outside intervention. The second upholds sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. The third rejects force and sanctions, and instead favors ceasefires through dialogue. The fourth focuses on both immediate security concerns and long-term development needs.