Security is paramount

While China's interests are increasing dramatically in Africa, the country has to consider the security of its investment, as tough lessons have been delivered by the recent conflicts in Libya and Mali, in which Chinese businesses and interests have been affected.

"Regional integration should be premised on peace and stability.Development is crucial for peace - and peace is essential for development," said Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations' secretary-general, at the opening ceremony of the AU summit in January.

While certain regions, including the two Sudans, Mali and Somalia, remain locked in conflict, local forces will provide a sustainable and effective way of ensuring security, but China can still play an effective and influential role.

China's efforts on peace and security in Africa will be conducted through cooperation with the AU, said Deng Yanting, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"The integration of the African security forces must deepen and the AU will be a leading player in this, so China will also contribute to this process," he said. "The AU has established a relatively complete military institution and has proved its capability and efficiency in the conflicts in the two Sudans and Somalia, which is a good beginning."

However, the integration of security remains at a primary stage and is focused on the economy, he said.

"China should also offer support in this field, not only to facilitate the process of African integration, but also to protect its own interests," he said. "Otherwise, there could be another 'Libya story', where interests and investment could evaporate overnight."

Contact the writer at lilianxing@chinadaily.com.cn