China's Motive In South Sudan?

The duty of a responsible world power or protecting its own self-interests?

China may be Africa's biggest trade partner, but it has generally taken an arms length approach to the continent's conflicts and domestic difficulties.

China is now committing 700 combat troops to South Sudan to help bring peace to the world's newest nation. And on Monday, it sent Wang Yi, the foreign minister, to help mediate talks between South Sudan's warring factions.

China has invested billions of dollars in South Sudan, particularly in its oil production.

However, Yi rejects accusations that China has its own agenda. Speaking during talks across the border in Sudan's capital Khartoum, he said: "China's mediation of South Sudan issues is completely the responsibility and duty of a responsible power, and not because of China's own interests."