When it was announced in 2023 that the African Union would become a full member of the G20, I darkly joked on a podcast that the AU’s entry into the body could very well mark the moment the G20 lost its status as one of the most important global coordination forums. Mark my words, I said, soon The Economist will be like “Uhhh, the G20 is OVER – it’s the ...
Category: Mediation
China Says Cambodia, Thailand Ready to De-escalate After Wang Yi Calls
China says Cambodia and Thailand are prepared to de-escalate and move toward a cease-fire after separate phone calls with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Thailand has said any truce depends on Cambodian action, and Phnom Penh has yet to publicly confirm ...
Myanmar Fighters Agree China-Brokered Pullout From Ruby Town
One of Myanmar's most powerful ethnic armed opposition factions has agreed to a China-brokered withdrawal from a lucrative ruby mining hub, the group said on Wednesday. Myanmar has been mired in a civil war since the military grabbed power in a ...
China’s New Mediation Body Courts the Global South on Dispute Resolution
A couple of weeks ago in Hong Kong, China quietly inaugurated the International Organization for Mediation (IoM), marking what may become a significant shift in global dispute resolution. Thirty-two countries from Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe attended the launch, underscoring Beijing’s ambition to build a ...
How the Global South Became Central to China’s Narrative Strategy on Russia’s War in Ukraine
By Lukas Fiala Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a little over three years ago marked a critical juncture in the development of European and international security. Far from merely a regional issue, the war has since then affected many beyond the old ...
Xinhua Lays Out China’s Approach in the Middle East
Since the Hamas attacks on Israel triggered a growing conflict, China’s position has come in for a lot of discussion around whether it will mediate in the crisis, as offered earlier. However, China has so far largely followed a cautious approach, sticking ...
China Offers to Serve as Mediator in Niger
The Chinese ambassador to Niger, Jing Feng, met with the transition Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zene on Monday and offered to serve as a mediator to help defuse the escalating political crisis in the West African country. “The Chinese government intends ...
Chinese Nationals Evacuated As Sudan Enters Shaky Ceasefire
A 72-hour ceasefire started in Sudan on Monday night, the third so far in the deadly conflict that broke out ten days ago. As Sudanese keep struggling with disrupted water, electricity, and internet services, the first group of Chinese nationals was evacuated to neighboring countries. ...