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China Commits 8,000 Peacekeepers to UN, Signaling Growing Global Role

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations' (UN) peacekeeping force has received a significant boost as China commits 8,000 peacekeepers, amidst a global effort to increase troop contributions. This pledge, made by President Xi Jinping, brings China's total contribution to the UN's peacekeeping force to a substantial level. The UN summit in the USA saw over 50 countries pledge 40,000 troops, including Colombia's first-time offer of 5,000 soldiers. As of August 31, 2015, the UN peacekeeping personnel stood at 106,506, comprising 91,132 troops, 13,563 police, and 1,811 military experts. China's new commitment aims to address a long-standing gap in troop contributions, with developed countries contributing less than their developing counterparts.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's commitment of 8,000 peacekeepers places it among the largest contributors to the UN's peacekeeping force, with the sole distinction of being the only UN Security Council member among the top 25 countries for peacekeeper numbers.
  • France is the next largest contributor, with just over 900 personnel.
  • Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, and Rwanda contributed a collective 36% of the UN's peacekeeping force as of 2015, showcasing their significant role in global peacekeeping efforts.
  • The five permanent members of the UN Security Council collectively contribute around 4,438 personnel, despite having larger defense budgets.
  • The UN's peacekeeping budget stands at £5.25bn, with its force having been implemented in 69 missions over the past 68 years.
  • Conflicts where peacekeepers are deployed include Western Sahara, Central African Republic, Mali, Haiti, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Darfur, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Abyei, South Sudan, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Liberia, and India and Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • As of August 31, 2015, the UN peacekeeping personnel totaled 106,506.
  • Developed countries contribute significantly less to the peacekeeping force, with the US and Russia contributing around 70 personnel each and the UK contributing 289.
  • China's new commitment will form part of the "Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System", a rapid-deployment standby force.
  • The top 5 contributing countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, and Rwanda) collectively contribute a total of 36% of the UN peacekeeping force.

Sources:

  • [Chinese President Xi Jinping's commitment](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45883759)
  • [UN peacekeeping personnel statistics](https://peackeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/reports/UNPKO%20Personnel%20Stats%20Aug%202015.pdf)
  • [UN peacekeeping budget](https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/economy/peacekeeping-budget.shtml)
  • [List of UN peacekeeping missions](https://peackeeping.un.org/en/operations)

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