China’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations and what it means in the light of recent Sino-African relations FRUZSINA SIMIGH PAGEO GEOPOLITICAL INSTITUTE OF REGIONAL STUDIES AND GEOSTRATEGY CHINA JUNIOR ANALYST

Xi Jinping at the 70th UN General Assembly Extra 8000 persons to standby troops 100 million USD support in the next 5 years for the development of the African Union’s crisis forces; establishment of a „China-UN Peace and Development Fund” to finance UN operations.

UN Peacekeeping and challenges Traditional: Young nation states Border-wars Ensure compliance with ceasefires Local stabilisation Peaceful intervention Post-Cold War: New, more violent conflicts Peace enforcement Humanitarian intervention Mandate problems State sovereignty???

Chinese attitude towards UN PKOs ’s Opposition Non- participation 1980’s Support Non- participation 1990’s - present Support Participation With reservations

Chinese (personnel) contribution to PKOs Data source: un.org,

Ranking of military and police contribution to UN operations (31. March, 2016) Data source: un.org,

UNSC permanent members’ contribution to UNPKOs ( ) Data source: un.org,

Data source: un.org,

Pragmatism vs Principles Source: African Economic Outlook 2015

A case study: the Darfur crisis Resource based, interethnic conflicts Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Sudanese govt. and SPLM) Casualties and losses: Dead: 300,000 (UN) or 10,000 (Sudanese govt. estimates) Displaced: 2,850,000 (UN) or 450,000 (Sudanese govt.)

Shift in Chinese attitude China’s investment in Sudanese energy and infrastructure  influence!!! First just „passing the message” African Union’s AMIS mission to Darfur November, 2006 – start of diplomatic pressure, FOCAC meeting

Active persuasion, 2007 Persuasion over pressure! Hu Jintao in Khartoum: 1) respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity 2) conflict should be resolved via dialogue and negotiating as equals 3) AU and UN should play a constructive part in the peacekeeping process 4) stability, and the living standards of the Sudanese people in the Darfur region should be improved. Financial assistance ($70 million of Sudanese debt written off + $13 million interest-free loan) President Hu Jintao’s state visit to Khartoum, February, 2007

Positive feedback The Chinese have been largely supportive of our (US/Western) efforts to resolve the Darfur situation through peaceful means and have been publicly encouraging Khartoum to allow AU and UN peacekeepers into Darfur. Andrew Natsios, in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Mali – engagement with troops So far only engineer, medical teams, civil police, logistical troops 2012 South Sudan 2013 Mali – 170 soldiers 2015 South Sudan – 700 soldiers (infantry and special forces)

What does it mean that China sends fighting units now? Mandates to use force (in protection of UN hq) Helps train troops without antagonizing neighbors Protection of Chinese assets as well Motivation  efficiency Shows responsibility And felxibility Source: Xinhua.net,

African Union – China’s cooperation partner Integration, development, and maintain continental peace and security – even possibly intervene in special cases Peace and Security Council (article 7  peacekeeping missions) 100 million USD from China  development of standby forces (APSA and Peace Fund) Aid vs independence?

Conclusion Chinese aim to appear as responsible geat power in the developing world Contribution to public goods Gain more influence – in UN, soft power and hard power as well Protect economic interests through UN framework New possibilities  greater efficiency?

Thank you for your attention!