Increased investments lead to increased needs for stability. This is why it is becoming more and more difficult for China to refrain from becoming engaged in many of the issues facing these countries.

China is the world's second largest consumer of oil and it needs to import natural resources in order to satisfy the needs of its growing economy. Since 1990, China's investments in Africa have increased from just USD 50 million to more than USD 6 billion.

China's role as a committed superpower
Thus far, China has had an explicit strategy of not trying to influence the form of government in African countries or becoming involved in their domestic affairs. However, Chinese businesses as well as the hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens residing in Africa are in increasing need of security. The Chinese oil companies are also a driving force behind China's increased international engagement.

This year, China is contributing to international operations against pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia. However, these actions do not conflict with China's principles, since they have the support of Somalia's transitional government. China has also started to play an increasingly active role in the Darfur crisis. The driving factor is pressure from Western governments, along with the realization that its international reputation has a certain value.  China wants to be regarded as a peaceful and responsible global partner.

"During the last ten years, China's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions has gone from around 100 to more than 2,000 people," says FOI researcher Jerker Hellström. China's low profile and reluctance to intervene internationally have changed.

Read Jerker Hellström’s reports:

China's emerging role in Africa - A strategic overview

Blue Berets Under the Red Flag - China in the UN Peacekeeping System