World - Darfour: where is China?

A lead journalist from the international Herald Tribune asked Mr Bush this question. Bush has recently asked the international community to join the American effort in ending the Darfour "genocide" (in Sudan). Knowing that the rich and proud Chinese civilisation has a saying for each circumstance and bearing in mind that China buys 60% of the oil production of Sudan, i.e. 7% of its imports, a proverb comes to mind: "the large tree get the wind." The Chinese "tree", which grows so quickly, has a small "offspring" diplomacy which remains in an unfortunate state of no growth, argues the IHT. Beijing states that it "respects all the cultures and all the regimes". Very convenient, I add. This shouldn't be seen as a sign of "immaturity" but rather of "cynicism" writes the journalist. China will probably not use its veto in the Security Council when the UN will try to put pressure on Khartoum. On the spot, the African Union has huge difficulties in trying to control a conflict which has already made 200,000 deaths and some 2 million refugees, writes the New York Times. China knows this and should take an active role. This should also be the message that Angela Merkel will try to convey during her first official visit to China, requesting Chinese authorities to take a more active role in solving the world's conflicts. Obviously, the UN, the world powers and the World have not learnt with the Rwanda (tragic) experience.
[read in "Le Monde Digital"]