Stability Through Multilateral Cooperation: China and Regional Security in Africa

ABSTRACT:This article addresses the increasing cooperation between China and regional organizations in Africa and analyzes the impact this cooperation has on the continent's security landscape with special regard to the role of the African Union (AU). China increasingly engages with the AU in various security-related issues and new cooperation mechanisms have been established. However, China's involvement in African security is not based on any long-term strategy, but rather reflects the changing interests of various Chinese actors engaging in Africa. For the AU, China's increasing involvement represents an opportunity to extend its influence in the region and establish itself as an envoy for Africa's external relations.