The responsibility to protect (R2P) is a widely endorsed and developing norm aimed at preventing humanitarian atrocities. China has been surprisingly receptive towards the development of R2P since its inception in 2001, despite China's traditional tendency to obstruct engagement in humanitarian crises. As veto-wielding Security Council member, important regional power, and major economic power, with interests in states experiencing, or vulnerable to, humanitarian crisis, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Angola and Sudan, the support of China for R2P is vital.