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Pekingology

China’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Aug 22, 2024
Courtney Fung, an Associate Professor in Security Studies at Macquarie University, delves into China’s strategic maneuvers within the UN. She outlines China's shift from reluctance to active participation in peacekeeping since 2013, framing it against the backdrop of domestic politics. The conversation also covers the tragic incidents involving Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan, revealing the complex interplay of safety, accountability, and China's ambitions in global governance. Fung highlights how these dynamics reshape international discourse and peacekeeping policies.
38:04

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's transformation in UN peacekeeping reflects its strategic shift from initial reluctance to active military involvement, emphasizing host state consent and neutrality.
  • China's approach to the UN aims to enhance its global influence while maintaining a narrative of non-interference and contributing to international stability.

Deep dives

China's Historical Engagement with UN Peacekeeping

China's evolution in UN peacekeeping began with its initial reluctance, rooted in a strong opposition to Western influence during the 1970s and 1980s. Over time, particularly in the late 1980s, China started to support peacekeeping operations by contributing to missions that respected host state consent and adhered to the principles of neutrality. This transition marked China's shift towards a more active role, reflected in its contribution of troops and resources by the 1990s and early 2000s. By 2013, China fully embraced the deployment of combat troops, indicating a significant expansion of its military engagement in global peacekeeping efforts.

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