China: Conflict Prevention Tool launched in Beijing to support corporate overseas security management

The Tool, co-developed by the ICRC-DCAF Partnership and other partners, supports businesses working in complex overseas environments to undertake more effective conflict analysis and heightened due diligence to deepen their understanding of local security and socio-economic dynamics and enable them to prevent operational security and social responsibility risks. RZCSRI provided expert translation and contextualization of the translation for the Chinese corporate audience.

The launch was part of the Seminar on Overseas Security Management and Good Practices & Launching of Practical Tools, which drew over 50 representatives from leading enterprises, industry associations, embassies, international organizations, research institutions, think tanks, media, and the Red Cross Movement.

The ICRC also took this occasion to launch the new Chinese edition of Business and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with Matt Pollard, Legal Advisor at the ICRC and author of the publication, delivering a video presentation on the relevance and value of this guide for business operations. The launch was aimed at helping Chinese enterprises operating in particularly complex environments to gain a better understanding of IHL and adopt business practices that are in accordance with IHL rules and principles.

In his opening remarks, Swiss Ambassador Jürg Burri praised the Tool as a “Swiss Army knife” — a multifunctional, practical tool that enables companies to approach security from a prevention perspective and integrate it into their management systems and business strategies, thereby supporting their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Balthasar Staehelin, Personal Envoy of the ICRC President and Head of the Regional Delegation for East Asia, stressed in his remarks that the tools to be launched at this event and the ICRC’s longstanding partnership with DCAF to develop practical guidance and materials for companies operating in complex environments were part of ICRC’s wider efforts to engage with China in the promotion of security governance, respect for international humanitarian law, peace, and sustainable development. Talking about a growing dialogue and cooperation between ICRC and China, Mr. Staehelin specifically noted significance of The Global Initiative to galvanise political commitment to international humanitarian law, launched in September 2024 by the ICRC, China and other five countries.

Wang Xiaoguang, Director of RZCSRI, stressed in his opening speech that as security risks become increasingly diversified and complex, security management was no longer a purely technical issue, but a core theme tied to corporate sustainability and brand reputation. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration with institutions and experts to advance research, empower enterprises, and jointly explore innovative models and paths for overseas security management. 

Keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds shared insights on the topic of overseas security management, ranging from the value and utility of the Conflict Prevention Tool, corporate culture and leadership, as well as case studies of security challenges faced by Chinese companies working in high-risk contexts: 

• Alan Bryden, Head of Business and Security Division, DCAF
• Diao Chunhe, Executive Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities
• Dr. Sun Xiansheng, Chairman of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies and Former Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum
• Mr. Luo Daqing, Former Party Secretary of Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper Ltd.
• Professor Yang Zhuang, Professor of Management at the National School of Development, Peking University

In his closing remarks, Boris Kelecevic, Deputy Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, thanked all participants for insightful contribution, stressing that the launch of the Tool is only the beginning. Continued dialogue, commitment to implementation, and collaboration are essential to ensure that the approaches and good practices outlined in the Tool could be translated into practical impact. The ICRC remains committed to working with partners to ensure that the publication becomes a practical and effective tool for Chinese companies to inform responsible stakeholder engagement and foster proactive risk identification and mitigation.