China's Big Move

In hopes of raising awareness about the reality of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, Sam Davidson writes every Monday about a key issue in an attempt to stop the atrocity. Doing so may not bring about a wave of change, but it is a small ripple that represents the tide that needs turning.

Could today's news about China be the major step forward that a lot of us have been waiting for? China told Sudan's President, Omar al-Bashir that his country needs to improve its security.

While this is hardly the muscle that strong China really needs to flex, it's a start. China, which will be hosting the Olympics in about a year, is one of the biggest trading partners with Sudan. Many have thought that China is the key piece in the puzzle that needs to be in place to stop this genocide.

This is a big step for China, which normally likes to remain silent on a lot of things. As they amass more and more capital, they can afford to do so.

Hopefully, China will continue to apply pressure enough for everyone to go back to the negotiating table and figure this thing out. Unfortunately, it won't happen without China's influence.