Jack Lau reports on how China’s typically neutral approach in conflicts across Africa has shifted due to the ongoing unrest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite ties with both DRC and Rwanda, Beijing has criticized Rwanda for supporting M23 rebels, calling for the withdrawal of Rwandan military support and condemning the conflict through a UN Security Council resolution. The critical importance of importing crucial minerals from DRC, such as coltan and cobalt, however, plays a key role in China’s diplomatic stance. Though China provides military equipment to both countries, there is no evidence suggesting the M23 is using Chinese arms. Still, China’s economic interests in the region, including infrastructure projects and the Belt and Road initiative, are substantial and imply a long-term interest in the peace and stability of the DRC.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c234j4yj3klo