Some peace in Africa at least...
The world is moving towards peace in some places and chaos in other places
I do not want to ignore America’s role in the violent conflict between Israel and Iran. However, I’m still processing it. I recognize that I do not have complete access to classified information. I’m refraining from commenting. For now, let’s discuss Africa.
Rwanda & DR Congo Peace
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to a draft peace agreement with the mediation from the US and Qatar (BBC article). Their decades of conflict has a familiar ring to it. Let’s assume that the Trump administration had a similar approach to Russia and Ukraine with the exception of the previous Biden administration sending foreign aid.
Back on February 21, the Democratic Republic of Congo sought the US to help and have minerals to offer (Al Jazeera). This occurred before the memorable meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. Securing stability in the region can help the world cut off its dependency on China for its minerals. The BBC editorializes and suggests that this could unravel. I suspect a bias.
How is this time different? It is no secret that Trump is reshaping global trade and that the trade war has been about China all along. Back in April, his announcement of a 90-day pause for most countries included an escalation in tariffs for China.
China has offered infrastructure to this region back in the 2000s. The US can now offer security in the form of putting their American businesses and protecting them. (SSI US Army War College article) The competition between the US and China for influence in the world continues.
US and China in early June
Around earlier this month, the US and China met in London to discuss some points of contention. We can infer that the US won in those negotiations. Trump made it clear on Truth Social that rare earth is a non-negotiable. China made it clear that their one China policy and international students in the US are their non-negotiables (PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs news). The US used their leverage of their best universities. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told his side of the story on CNBC.
It’s a multipolar world with the US and China. I hope for a Pax Americana and a Pax Sinica. It would be nice if it is reminiscent of Pax Romana and Pax Sinica of the Han Dynasty.
Let’s compete in a fair AI race and in the Olympics. Let bygones be bygones. I don’t believe in permanent enemies.
Let’s hope that there are less chants of “Death to America” in Iran and pray for more peace.