CHINAS FIRST COMBAT DISASTER

In July 2016, Chinese peacekeeping soldiers found themselves embroiled in a full-scale war in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Following the incident, criticism was directed at the individual Chinese soldiers and the commanders of the United Nations peacekeeping mission for their perceived failure to protect citizens and valuable humanitarian resources. A Washington-based non-profit analysis pointed out that Chinese soldiers had allegedly abandoned their posts and refused orders to return fire. However, the situation might be more complex than initially portrayed.

The Battle of Juba raises questions about the tactics employed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the impact of these relatively unknown events from 2016 on China's military and foreign policy today. Furthermore, understanding China's strategic interests in South Sudan, which led them to deploy forces in the first place, is essential.

China, a member of the United Nations Security Council since 1971, initially refrained from contributing combat forces or budget to UN peacekeeping operations. However, a significant shift occurred in the 1990s when China began sending non-combat personnel like engineers and agricultural advisors. The turning point came in 2015 when President Xi Jinping decided to dispatch combat infantry units, marking a departure from China's longstanding policy of non-interference in foreign affairs.

One driving factor behind this change was China's increasing energy needs, particularly in South Sudan, where China National Petroleum Corporation had a 40% stake in a joint venture operating major oil fields. As China's global presence expanded, so did its UN peacekeeping contributions, reaching 15% of funding. Between 2000 and 2016, China deployed over 30,000 personnel in 30 separate UN missions, a substantial increase from sending zero soldiers in 2000.

However, South Sudan presented unique challenges, given its history of conflict, with two major civil wars causing significant casualties and displacements. The Chinese-led UN forces faced a complex situation with multiple armed factions, making peacekeeping missions challenging. The Battle of Juba in 2016 highlighted the difficulties Chinese peacekeepers encountered in a conflict zone.

The Chinese forces, responsible for securing protection sites in Juba, faced overwhelming odds when both government and rebel forces violated a peace agreement and set up military bases near UN camps. The inadequate defensive infrastructure, combined with the militia's heavy assault, forced Chinese peacekeepers to retreat deeper into the compound, leaving civilians vulnerable. The subsequent violence resulted in casualties, looting, and a significant impact on the morale of Chinese UN soldiers.

While there were criticisms of the Chinese peacekeepers' response, including allegations of abandoning posts and ignoring orders, an investigation revealed broader issues. The lack of proper training, communication challenges, and a rigid command structure contributed to the difficulties faced by Chinese soldiers during the conflict. The incident prompted a restructuring of China's military in 2017, with the formation of strategic support and logistics forces.

Despite the challenges and criticisms, China continues its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions, emphasizing its self-interest in fostering stability and development, especially in regions like South Sudan, where it has economic interests. The geopolitical complexities surrounding China's actions highlight the intricate balance between national interests and international peacekeeping responsibilities. The sacrifices made by Chinese soldiers, such as those who lost their lives in the Battle of Juba, underscore the human toll of participating in UN peacekeeping missions.

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