Belt and Road Initiative drives China’s growing mediation role in world conflicts but peace elusive
Beijing’s focus on stability and conflict management unlikely to bring lasting results, researchers say
China has increasingly been involved in mediation efforts for international conflicts, particularly along the route of its signature “Belt and Road Initiative”, but its high-profile approach has failed to produce sustainable peace results, a new report from a leading European think tank has found.
In contrast to its past reluctance to engage in conflict resolution outside its borders, Beijing was involved in mediation for nine conflicts last year compared to only three in 2012.
According to analysis by the Berlin-based Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), the spike coincided with the launch of the initiative, a series of infrastructure projects across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
But China’s approach centred on conflict management and stability preservation rather than long-term resolution, largely as part of broader multinational efforts, which had so far proven ineffective, the report’s authors Helena Legarda and Marie Hoffmann said.
“It is becoming more obvious now that Beijing is diving into conflicts that have higher international visibility,” they wrote.
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The authors noted China’s reliance on top-level diplomatic tools, while neglecting the full range of stakeholders in a conflict.