China's peacekeeping operations in Africa: A case study of South Sudan

This paper analyses China's position on United Nations peacekeeping operations with a case study of South Sudan. Beijing's changing stand provides insights about its policy on non-interference. While China has sent peacekeepers worldwide, most are deployed in African countries. Since independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced civil war resulting in mass murders, rapes, food crises and the displacement of civilians. China has not only supported United Nations operations but has also tried to protect civilians and control the conflict situation. Oil and strategic interests are the main driving forces behind its increasing participation. The Chinese stateowned oil company CNPC has invested heavily in South Sudan and hence political stability and peace are important for Chinese investors and traders. This article also details the role of China's first combat battalion in South Sudan as well as the challenges and uncertainties it faces.