Well, we tried to check the Soviets in Angola, Cuba, Central America, and Southeast Asia. So it’s not so odd to have to run into China in Africa. (This incidentally is why Darfur is an insoluble problem, short of an actual Western invasion. China’s interest in Sudanese oil will prop up the al-Bashir government indefinitely. Not to mention the rumored PLA troops in place. China doesn’t care one way or another about Darfur, and might in fact prefer it it went away, but its economic interests have them dug in and that means patronizing the government which backs the Janjaweed.)

China may pose a number of problems for U.S. policymakers as it becomes more and more involved-both economically and diplomatically-on the continent. From a military perspective, this would significantly complicate U.S. counterterrorism operations, as countries loyal to Beijing place new restrictions on the United States. Additionally, China’s proliferation of small arms and light weapons to hostile state and non-state actors will only make the world more dangerous. Politically, this could give China increased influence in venues like the United Nations Security Council, particularly among the non-permanent members of the Council. Finally, the economic competition between the U.S. and China for the continent’s critical resources may decidedly advantage Beijing.

Confucius, Œc. Vol.

Don’t ask impertinent questions like that jackass Adept Lu.