As UN peacekeeping missions face growing challenges worldwide, China's expanding contributions to global security are drawing increased attention. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Zhou Bo, senior fellow at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, outlined how the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has become a cornerstone of international peacekeeping efforts.
A Growing Commitment to Global Security
Zhou revealed that China now maintains over 2,000 peacekeepers across nine UN missions – more than any other permanent Security Council member. 'From demining in Lebanon to medical support in South Sudan, our personnel demonstrate China's commitment to multilateral solutions,' he stated. This deployment aligns with Beijing's pledge to establish a permanent peacekeeping police squad and 8,000-strong standby force.
Balancing National and International Interests
The analyst emphasized that China's approach combines national development priorities with global responsibilities. 'Peacekeeping allows China to share security expertise gained through domestic stability efforts while building international trust,' Zhou explained. Recent PLA engineering contingents have constructed over 13,000 kilometers of roads and 300 bridges in conflict zones since 1990.
Strategic Implications for Asia
With 65% of current UN missions located in Asia and Africa, Zhou noted China's unique position to mediate regional conflicts. He highlighted recent mediation successes in Myanmar and Afghanistan as evidence of Beijing's growing diplomatic-security nexus. For investors and policymakers, this evolving role signals new opportunities for public-private partnerships in post-conflict reconstruction.
