The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pretoria requested ISS for an update on the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) with specific attention regarding the African Standby Force (ASF) as well as African Capacity for Immediate Response to Conflict (ACIRC) developments. The purpose of the Chinese delegation’s visit was to obtain insight on these aspects of African Peace and Security to provide input to Chinese decision-makers in planning Chinese support to the AU and the Continent over the next number of years. The included discussions on the APSA Roadmap 2016-2020: the strategic priorities for each of the APSA Pillars as well as Post Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), cross cutting issues and strategic security issues such as Counter Terrorism and Prevention of Violent Extremism (CT/PVE). The ASF’s 2016-2020 Maputo work plan and related recommendations based on AMANI II FTX and other strategic considerations were explained. This discussion included: 1. Political decision-making processes and mandating of operations; 2. Force Preparation; 3. Force Employment, and 4. Post Force Employment. The identified challenges and opportunities were included as part of the ASF discussion. An overview of ACIRC and its current status concluded the discussions.