Wherever we see situations of international turmoil, and observe efforts to put out the fires that burn within so many failing states, China plays its heavy hand of "not interfering with internal affairs of sovereign states." Over and over, in the UN Security Council, motions are blocked, motions that could save thousands of lives if implemented, motions to stop genocide, motions to remove forces of evil from positions of prominence. Quick glances reveal close relations between Beijing and some of the most consistently repressive governments in the world, governments that take no issue with the mass slaughter of their own citizens. So it was interesting to come across a small article on Reuters International this mornings (and subsequently, AllAfrica.com), reporting the delivery of an arms shipment, through the port of Durban, South Africa, from Beijing to the beleaguered forces of Robert Mugabe. What timing! What audacity! What complete disregard for international standards at a crucial moment in time for Zimbabweans, hoping the pry back the blanket of darkness that has been laid down so heavily by the disastrous Mugabe regime.
"The vessel An Yue Jiang, owned by the parastatal Chinese Ocean Shipping Company, was the subject of intense speculation as it spent the day marooned in the far reaches of Durban's outer anchorage. News reports suggested it had been denied permission to dock.
The Democratic Alliance 's spokesperson on defence, Rafeek Shah, said the vessel was alleged to be carrying several container-loads of weapons for the Zimbabwe Defence Force, including mortars, more than 3000 mortar bombs and 1500 rocket-propelled grenades."
So, this brings me back to the point of the unwavering respect for sovereignty, when it serves the goals of Beijing (and these goals usually point towards securing natural resources, no questions asked). Why is the respect for sovereignty suddenly not applied to Zimbabwe? What is the rationale for this double-standard, caught in the spotlight of the international press? Several container loads of weapons can quell a lot of democracy. Several container loads of weapons can keep an aging dictator in power for just a little while longer. Several container loads of weapons can buy a little more time for the world to divert its attention away from another crisis spot in the heart of Africa. Several container loads of weapons can completely dissolve an argument by a budding superpower for the respect of sovereignty around the world. There is nothing respectful about shipping arms into a conflict zone at an absolutely critical moment in time, a moment when democracy has a chance to peel back the layers of oppression bestowed so generously by Mugabe on his beleaguered countrymen. China, please practice what you preach. At the very least, attempt to see past the singular focus of natural resource procurement and show some basic respect for human rights in Africa.
“Shah's information is that the ship is carrying 3800 cases of weaponry and ammunition in six containers, that the delivery address is the Zimbabwe Defence Force, Causeway, Harare, and the point of origin on the cargo manifest is Beijing.”
