
Image credit: Embassy of the PRC to Somalia
Senior Fellow Ann Fitz-Gerald provided comments to the South China Morning Post on China’s Horn of Africa peace conference and diplomatic efforts to convene talks through its new special envoy to the region.
[China] will regard itself as a more neutral and non-partisan ‘ friend’ of Ethiopia’s – a profile which may work more productively in support of conflict resolution… It is true that the complexity of the situation in Ethiopia is historical in nature and requires a deep understanding and well-informed analysis. I suspect that China will see its long-term footprint in the country and the wider Horn of Africa region as providing valuable longitudinal knowledge and perspectives which other external actors may not have.
Ann Fitz-Gerald (@afitz3105) is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy and the Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs.