China's Peacekeeping Role in the United Nations, Particularly in Africa: Examining Beijing's Impact in International Conflict Resolution Efforts
In recent years, China has significantly increased its involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions across Africa. This strategic move, according to Senior Colonel Shou Bo, Director of the PLA's Center for Security Cooperation, is part of China's focus on improving its international prestige by enhancing its 'image as a responsible nation on a peaceful rise.'
China is the second largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, following the United States, and the ninth leading contributor of troops, with 2,464 blue helmets as of February 2021. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has deployed thousands of troops to some of Africa's most dangerous locations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Darfur, and Mali.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, China controls the rare earth minerals market thanks to friendly contracts from the government, enabling its vast resource extraction from the country's eastern regions. Meanwhile, in South Sudan, China has increased its dominance over the oil sector by signing a 2018 agreement expanding access to hydrocarbon exploration.
The PLA troops in these countries are a diverse cross-section of the military, including combat troops, force protection soldiers, medical personnel, military engineers, logisticians, and staff officers. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, dozens of armed groups are fighting each other and government security forces. Here, the PLA's focus is on noncombat operations, providing medical care, infrastructure repair, and personal security.
China's strategy of using UN peacekeeping to advance its own priorities appears to be working. The country has strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation while increasing oversight and protection of its economic investments. This focus enables China to promote its military cooperation with African partners and bolsters China's image as a rising power and attractive partner.
The use of savvy communications also helps to ensure this message resonates with African partners and international observers. Domestic and foreign state media continue to highlight the PLA's participation in UN peacekeeping as a tangible example that China is a responsible player within the international system.
Key Belt and Road Initiative projects in countries where PLA troops are stationed include Kenya's Mombasa port with its rail and road connections to Nairobi and inland, Tanzania's Bagamoyo deep-water port and satellite city, Egypt's Teda special economic zone near Ain Sukhna, and infrastructure projects in Zambia, Ethiopia, and Ghana such as dams and industrial zones.
However, the deployment of PLA troops is not without controversy. In South Sudan, the majority of PLA troops are trained infantrymen ready to face threats associated with operating in a deadly and prolonged civil war. Hundreds of PLA troops are present in the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, split between several installations.
Despite these challenges, China's commitment to UN peacekeeping and its focus on Africa continues. The country aims to use these missions not only to strengthen its military capabilities but also to build its brand as a benevolent country committed to peace and security.
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