Concerns Over China’s Role in U.N. Peacekeeping

During a hearing on Wednesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, several lawmakers expressed suspicions regarding China’s involvement in U.N. peacekeeping operations, suggesting it may serve as a cover for espionage activities.

“China’s focus on peacekeeping is primarily in strategically important regions, especially those along the Belt and Road corridor, as well as near ports and resource-rich areas,” stated Rep. Sheri Biggs from South Carolina. She added that there are ongoing worries that these peacekeeping designations could be a way for the U.S. to further military and intelligence efforts in places where it holds significant stakes.

Rep. Scott Perry from Pennsylvania emphasized that countries benefiting from the Belt and Road Initiative are likely to shift their voting tendencies in the U.N. General Assembly to align with Chinese interests once financial aid begins. “This essentially creates a voting bloc that’s effectively purchased over time through these loans,” he argued.

The Belt and Road Initiative, China’s expansive international project, has faced criticism for potentially trapping developing nations in debt, leading to China ultimately gaining control over their assets. Perry noted how it is extending China’s influence even in less developed nations.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Walz, who previously served as a congressman and National Security Adviser, mentioned that Chinese peacekeepers “often serve a dual purpose as the Chinese Communist Party’s eyes and ears on the ground.” He acknowledged that while China’s contributions can be beneficial, there’s a duality to their objectives, which raises concerns.

Walz pointed out that the sensitivity surrounding this intelligence means that comprehensive details could only be discussed in private briefings.

In response, a report suggested that these concerns raised by Walz were insincere, arguing that China is merely capitalizing on the openings left by reductions in U.S. funding for U.N. initiatives and development partnerships initiated during the Trump era. It was noted that the “America First” policy and withdrawal from international commitments have allowed China to enhance its influence not just in those regions, but also within multilateral institutions where U.S. participation has diminished.

China launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 during the Obama administration, raising questions about the assertion that they are exploiting U.S. budget cuts from 2025 onward. Critics pointed out that under both Trump administrations, China gained significant leverage over international bodies like the U.N. and WHO precisely when U.S. foreign aid was at a peak. This was particularly evident during the coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent investigations, which were viewed as transparent but inadequately scrutinized.

Concerns about the U.N. and its peacekeeping missions being potential avenues for espionage are not new. Canadian columnist Rachel Marsden recalled that during the 2015 General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a $1 billion donation to the U.N. and promised to deploy 8,000 Chinese troops as peacekeepers. This move seemed aligned with China’s expanding economic engagement in Africa, a region rich in resources crucial for its technology manufacturing.

However, these “donated” troops should not be interpreted as altruistic. Instead, they present a unique opportunity for China to gain insights into the military practices of other nations involved in U.N. operations. According to U.N. statistics, over 112,000 personnel participate in various peacekeeping missions worldwide, with a significant number being soldiers. Each mission offers access to valuable political and economic information, often under the guise of humanitarian efforts.

Marsden argued that many member states view peacekeeping as a tedious obligation, while the People’s Liberation Army may see it as a chance to observe foreign military maneuvers closely, including those of U.S. forces and other units that undergo U.S. training.