Chinas Energy Diplomacy and Its Peaceful Rise Ambition: The Cases of Sudan and Iran

Abstract

China has underscored its intention for peaceful development with the vision for a harmonious world. But at the same time China is keen to play a more proactive role in the international rule-making process, addressing its dissatisfaction with the existing international system. This article examines whether Chinas energy diplomacy vis-a-vis Sudan and Iran has helped or hindered its ambition for peaceful development. Chinas dealings with Sudan have departed from its long-standing principle of non-interference in internal affairs to one of active intervention, a change intended to help build Chinas image as a responsible power. China has also demonstrated its ambition and determination to play a more assertive role in dealing with Irans nuclear crisis to facilitate safeguarding Chinas energy and economic interests. Yet Beijing has been willing to sacrifice its energy interests when necessary in order to be perceived as a responsible stakeholder within the current international establishment. While it might be natural for China to aspire to a more active international role that befits its economic status, Chinas objective of building a harmonious world and its peaceful rise ambition will remain unattainable dreams unless Beijing is prepared to accept some universal principles to guide its energy diplomacy