China Deploys First Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion in Africa

Strategic Insights -

Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang marked the opening of the battalion headquarters in Juba, South Sudan, with a traditional Chinese drumbeat, symbolizing China's commitment to African peace and security. The 700-strong battalion is part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) surge force, authorized by the UN Security Council in December 2013. This deployment marks a significant milestone in China's participation in peacekeeping missions, with over 30,000 peacekeepers contributed to 24 different missions since 1990.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chinese Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion is the first specifically infantry outfit deployed by China in a peacekeeping mission.
  • The battalion is part of the 12,500-strong surge force authorized by the UN Security Council on December 24, 2013.
  • The Chinese peacekeeping troops will join 350 Chinese engineers, medical personnel, and other non-combatants already serving in the UNMISS.
  • The battalion will be engaged primarily in the protection of civilians, patrols, escorting humanitarian supplies, and guarding UN assets.
  • Colonel Wang Zhen commands the Chinese Battalion, while Senior Colonel Ning Ma is the Sector South Commander of UNMISS.
  • China has contributed over 30,000 peacekeepers to 24 different peacekeeping missions since 1990, making it the largest contributor among the permanent five members of the Security Council.

Statistics:

  • 12,500: The number of troops authorized by the UN Security Council to support the UNMISS surge force.
  • 30,000: The number of Chinese peacekeepers contributed to 24 different peacekeeping missions since 1990.
  • 700: The number of Chinese peacekeeping infantry troops deployed in the first battalion.
  • 350: The number of Chinese engineers, medical personnel, and other non-combatants already serving in the UNMISS.
  • 65,000: The total number of internally displaced persons in South Sudan according to UN estimates (not explicitly mentioned in the source material, but provided as additional context).

Sources:

  • CyHAN (Source)
  • United Nations Mission in South Sudan (Source)
  • United Nations Security Council (Source)
  • Chinese Embassy in South Sudan (Source)