China's participation in international conflict resolution is increasing. This study deals with the motives, modes and factors that are driving Chinese foreign policy to apply the traditional Chinese non-intervention principle more flexibly and are thus establishing a changing role for China in the international system. The research approach developed allows China's official interventions in conflicts in Africa and the Middle East to be mapped systematically in order to uncover complex causal relationships. In addition, the study illustrates how Chinese priorities have already found their way into the United Nations and are changing international conflict resolution approaches.