Increasing Role of China in UN Peacekeeping in 2013–2021

Abstract

This research aims to assess the PRC’s causes of involvement and influence on the sphere of peacekeeping during the presidency of Xi Jinping in the PRC (2013–2021). China’s growing activity in UN peacekeeping yields controversial results: as such, peacekeeping undoubtedly helps reduce violence in unstable regions. Therefore, the role of the People’s Republic of China using its growing military power for the cause of peace is more than welcome, so China’s prestige also enhances. However, a more detailed analysis of peacekeeping operations demonstrates that the People’s Republic of China seeks to secure its economic interests around the world through peacekeeping. Besides, they assertively promote its agenda of ensuring peace over human rights protection, aiming to fix key posts in this sphere for China’s representatives. In addition, Chinese weapons and equipment can be tested during peacekeeping operations, and the Chinese military receives the necessary experience and practice. As the methodological basis of the research, the author used the structural-functional method, the historical-comparative method and content analysis of the relevant sources.