China's dilemma over Darfur

China has worked hard over the past few months to show it is doing all it can to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

It has appointed a special envoy, sent peacekeeping troops to the region and embarked on a publicity campaign to persuade others it is being responsible.

This was done in part to prevent anyone linking China's close relationship with Sudan to the Olympics Games.

But for Steven Spielberg it was still not enough.

His decision to withdraw as artistic adviser to the Games' opening and closing ceremonies will be seen as a huge blow.

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Beijing and Khartoum have always had economic and military ties, and now, there is a crisis in Sudan's Darfur region. China imports two thirds of Sudanese oil estimated at 500,000 barrels a day. China is also Sudan's largest arms supplier, indirectly linking China to this crisis. China wants to be seen as a "responsible" nation because of the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing. However, Steven Spielberg thinks China isn't doing enough to resolve the crisis and has withdrawn as the artistic advisor for the Olympics.

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