A positive image burnished in peace

China's growing contribution to UN security operations benefits not only itself but the world

On Dec 4, China's first batch of peacekeeping troops arrived in the capital of Mali, Bamako. The initial team included engineers and medical and security people, about 135 people in all. It was the 30th time that China had sent its peacekeepers on United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1990, but what is particularly noteworthy is that it was the first time China had sent a peacekeeping force to perform security duties.

China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations has continuously improved. In 1990 it sent five military observers to the UN Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East, a prelude to the Chinese military's participation in international peacekeeping.

From 1992 to 1993, China sent two batches of a brigade of 800 engineer corps to the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia. It was the first time China had dispatched formal troops to take part in organized UN peacekeeping operations. In 2001, China established the Peacekeeping Office of the Ministry of National Defense to coordinate and manage the Chinese army and police involved in UN work.

In 2002, China formally joined a standby arrangements mechanism for UN peacekeeping operations. To this, China has contributed more than 25,000 people - military personnel, police and civilian officials. Currently more than 1,600 military and police personnel are performing tasks in 10 mission areas. China is the permanent member of the UN Security Council with the biggest number of peacekeepers, and a developing country that contributes the most to the UN peacekeeping expenses.

Some Westerners often criticize China's principle of "non-interference in internal affairs", and believe China has paid insufficient attention to the world's regional wars and conflicts. Some even think China's attitude is standoffish, tantamount to doing nothing. This is a great misunderstanding of China's diplomacy and its basic principles.

In fact, the Chinese policy of "non-interference in internal affairs" is only against those unauthorized acts of interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China is equally concerned about world peace and security, and is also concerned about other countries' and regions' humanitarian disasters and people's aspirations. China believes other countries should respect the willingness and ability of the nation involved, and all problems and that conflicts should be resolved in the framework of the UN and regional organizations.

So China continues to pursue the principle of "non-interference in internal affairs", while also advocating constructive participation in the world's peace and security affairs. In Africa, China supports the notion of "African problems should be solved by Africans", a principle that the African Union advocates. China continuously provides material and financial support to promote the ability of the African Union to improve security governance, and in the meantime China actively takes part in UN peacekeeping action in Africa to help the African Union and African countries to manage conflict.

Over the past 20 years China has executed peacekeeping operations in 14 regions in Africa. China is now involved in implementing seven African peacekeeping operations: the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur; the UN Mission in Sudan; the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire; the UN Mission in Liberia; the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara; and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.

In addition to Africa, in recent years China has had peacekeeping missions throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America, becoming an important defender of the world's peace and security.

China has taken actions to effectively give lie to the "China threat" theory that suggests China's development endangers world peace and that a developed China will challenge the existing international order. By taking part in UN peacekeeping operations, China has shown the world its dedication to and good will regarding world peace and development, and presented to the world a positive image of the Chinese army. Chinese peacekeepers are well versed in technical skills, discipline, and diligent work, repeatedly drawing praise and respect from the UN and the countries involved. The world is witnessing China's commitment. Its rise is certainly no threat to the world, but a global benefit of constructive force.

China, through its actions, also vigorously responds to the world's expectations about its international responsibility. The rapid development of the country's economy and its growing international status has enabled it to assume international responsibilities commensurate with its capacity.

Over the past few years, China has not only helped developed countries to cope with the financial crisis, but also injected increasing investment and aid to developing countries in their own efforts to promote world economic recovery. In various forums China also promotes international peace and security. China is becoming more actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations, and this is important to reflect China's growing international responsibilities.

In recent years China has advocated the concept of the "road of peaceful development" and a "harmonious world".

The author is a professor and director of the Center for African Studies, Institute for International Strategic Studies, Party School of the Central Committee of CPC.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 12/20/2013 page9)