China Eyes Sahel Power Vacuum Amid Western Exit

China is well-placed to fill the geopolitical gap created by the withdrawal of Western powers in West Africa's Sahel region. Against the backdrop of France and U.S. troop withdrawals, Beijing can reinforce its influence via three concrete strategic paths: an investment in highly critical minerals such as gold and lithium; mediation of the ECOWAS crisis with a view to propping up its image as a peaceful power; and arms sales to Sahelian countries. China's policy also coincides with its "non-interference" policy, thus reaping economic and military benefits while treading carefully around regional instability. Challenges remain, however, as local tensions could jeopardize Chinese interests.

Source: The ConversationChina is well-placed to fill the geopolitical gap created by the withdrawal of Western powers in West Africa's Sahel region. Against the backdrop of France and U.S. troop withdrawals, Beijing can reinforce its influence via three concrete strategic paths: an investment in highly critical minerals such as gold and lithium; mediation of the ECOWAS crisis with a view to propping up its image as a peaceful power; and arms sales to Sahelian countries. China's policy also coincides with its "non-interference" policy, thus reaping economic and military benefits while treading carefully around regional instability. Challenges remain, however, as local tensions could jeopardize Chinese interests.