China has been accused of engaging in “two-faced diplomacy” by promoting peace and economic cooperation publicly while taking actions that contribute to violence. This dual policy is evident in Africa, where China’s official stance contradicts its actions, such as supplying weapons to conflicting parties in Sudan. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), China’s military and economic ties with multiple countries have been criticized for potentially fueling instability in the region.
Geopolitical analysts have highlighted China’s strategic partnerships in the DRC, where its military and defense-industrial activities risk exacerbating conflicts. Chinese investments in the DRC primarily focus on economic interests, particularly in mining sectors like cobalt and coltan. The presence of Chinese drones and weaponry in the DRC’s battles with rebel groups has raised concerns about China’s role in perpetuating violence in the region.
Moreover, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over the South China Sea dispute, with the Philippines accusing China of insincerity and hypocrisy. The Philippine government’s call for China to adhere to the 2016 international arbitral ruling, which favored the Philippines, has been met with resistance from Beijing. Despite diplomatic tensions, the Philippines remains steadfast in defending its territorial claims in the disputed waters against Chinese incursions.
