Libyan Conflict Brings Attention to China

Although the focus of the Middle East is in Libya now, with Ghaddafi's forces and rebels fighting in what may end up as a civil war, the uprising has brought powerful international nations into the spotlight. I would like to focus on China, a nation so powerful yet relentless with their "no-interference" policy. Will the unrest in Libya force them to break away from a policy that has long shaded their international political participation?

In the past couple of days, over 32,000 Chinese citizens were evacuated from Libya. Most of them were businessmen, raising the issue of Chinese business in the Middle East and Africa. Although the evacuation didn't affect the economy of China drastically, it highlighted the instability in the African and Middle Eastern region that could potentially affect Chinese business in the future.

As China begins to rise in economic power and therefore global power, they need to make a stand in order to continue growing as they have been. The problem however, lies within China's position as a strong investor in many African nations. While the economy of these nations "thrive" or more like "need," Chinese business, the introduction of Chinese businesses in Africa functioned amongst corruption and inequality within invested nations. Chinese investment occurred while many of the countries were under dictatorial or corrupt leaderships. Furthermore, Chinese businesses "fueled resentment over the poor treatment of African workers" (Associated Press), and by hiring Chinese workers to work in businesses abroad. Some Chinese businessmen have been attacked by local workers.

The question boils down to whose side will China choose: the peacekeepers or the conflictors? China has notoriously chosen their own path in the past, but a nation with as much power as China cannot keep their global stance undisclosed. During the genocide in Darfur, China was pumping crude oil while supplying the Sudanese government with weapons. China is an ally of Iran and Saudi Arabia for oil. Most of their allies in the Middle East have been uncooperative with the peacekeeping body. China recently agreed for economic sanctions against Libya after Chinese workers were attacked. Was their decision significant in showing their choice to begin cooperating with the "peacekeepers" or was it rather a choice rooted with disdain for Libyan attacks against the Chinese? If the Chinese people weren't attacked in Libya, would China have made that choice?

With investments in the currently tumultuous Middle Eastern and African region, China has to face their economic liabilities. China can no longer focus solely on their economy; political intervention may be inevitable for China. As Libya continues to fight within and China shifts their global attitudes, several important questions arise: Can China continue with their closed policies/ secrecy? With great global influence, will China be able to lower international monitoring against their human rights violation (because they will be powerless against China)? As Hu Jintao and the current party prepare for a governmental transition to a younger generation, will change be for the better or will China continue with a closed policy?

Despite the conflict being in Libya, I am keeping my eye out for China (which will highlight the U.S. and all the other global powers). It's a sort-of anxious and anticipatory feeling.

Saya Iwasaki