Conflict prevention in the 21st century
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 4, 2016
Crisis diplomacy: the experience of Sudan and South Sudan
On 12 November, the CPWG took part in a high-level policy seminar on 'Crisis diplomacy: the experience of Sudan and South Sudan', co-hosted by Saferworld and SIIS. The seminar addressed the current priorities, challenges and opportunities in international support for both a viable and stable Sudan and South Sudan, as well as stable and mutually benefiting relations between the Sudans. In addition to adding insights into key policy developments, the event identified practical next steps for cooperation and collaboration by the international community.
Over 80 people attended, including China's Former Special Representative on African Affairs, the former EU Special Representative for Sudan, and Ambassadors and senior officials from the Sudanese and South Sudanese embassies in Beijing. Also attending were prominent experts from Sudanese and South Sudanese civil society, along with a range of embassy officials, Chinese government officials, international experts, as well as representatives from Chinese state-owned enterprises, think tanks, civil society organisations, policy banks and academic institutions.
"The two Sudans are very good cases for us to study crisis diplomacy. China has, and will continue to play a constructive role and work together with the international community, the government in power, and practical forces on the ground."
Amb Liu Guijin, Former China Special Representative on African Affairs.
Foreign aid and development assistance in Africa: emerging trends and key developments
On 13 November, the CPWG took part in a seminar addressing China's foreign aid and development assistance in Africa. The first half of the seminar focused on China's foreign aid policies and practices. Presentations by representatives of China's Ministry of Commerce explored the evolution of China's foreign aid policy and China's 2014 White Paper on Foreign Aid, as well as recent trends and challenges in China's aid to Africa. Scholars also addressed the role of China's commercial sector in government sponsored investment activities, and the arguments for and against trilateral cooperation.
The second half of the seminar examined comparative approaches to development aid and assistance in Africa, with speeches from the UK, EU and US embassy officials. The nexus between development assistance and peace in the Horn of Africa was also addressed during this session.
"China's role in Africa needs not only to benefit and learn from experiences of others, but others need to learn from China's experiences."
Paul Murphy, Executive Director, Saferworld
The seminar concluded by summing up some of the differences and similarities in the discourses of China and Western countries in approaching development aid in Africa. Whilst various common interests were identified, divergences were also noted in the approaches, histories, cultures and traditions between China and various Western countries.
Risk management and conflict-sensitive business practices training workshop
With China's growing economic engagement in conflict-affected and fragile states, it is increasingly important for Chinese companies and communities to engage in risk management and conflict-sensitive business practices. On 11 November, the CPWG took part in a workshop co-hosted by Saferworld and the New Century Academy on Transnational Corporations (under China's Ministry of Commerce), for around 50 Chinese company representatives – including those with operations in South Sudan – scholars, officials and South Sudanese and international civil society experts.
The workshop addressed risk analysis frameworks for transnational investments; the risks facing external actors engaging in South Sudan; and what practical measures and countermeasures Chinese companies can adopt when responding to challenges in South Sudan. This was the third of a series of workshops that Saferworld has held in the past year, aimed at introducing practical tools that Chinese companies can use in order to adopt a conflict-sensitive approach.
"According to our analysis, a conflict sensitive approach is one of the most effective solutions for Chinese companies managing risk overseas."
Jiang Heng, Research Associate, Ministry of Commerce, Executive Director, Beijing New Century Academy on Transnational Corporations.
Future prospects
The third workshop will take place in London in 2015, and will focus on the issue of early warning as a form of conflict prevention. Side workshops and roundtables in London will also be held on related themes. Also to be published in early 2015 is a briefing paper on crisis response co-authored by two members of the CPWG, as well as a more in-depth briefing detailing the key issues and associated policy recommendations put forward by participants in the aforementioned activities in Beijing.
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