Abstract

Though the Chinese foray in Africa has been subject to wide exposure, its impact on regional peace and security remains by and large overlooked. However, aside from its arms sales and political support to dictators, China is gradually engaged toward peace and security in the continent, as this is the only way to secure its investments and interests there in the long run. As the Sino-African partnership develops and grows, new opportunities and prospects for international cooperation arise. This in turn should result in more effective mechanisms to promote and enforce regional peace and security, but it remains to be seen whether China will keep wishing for more inclusivity in the management of the “irregular threats” it faces in Africa.

Key words : China, Africa, security, defense, arms, cooperation, threats.