Thomas Barnett has this useful chart showing the increase in Chinese participation in peacekeeping operations.

If you’ve been reading this blog, the rise isn’t surprising but a frequent topic. Back in 2003, the PLA Daily was going to increase its participation in peacekeeping operations to raise the profile of China globally, clear gestures of both public diplomacy and traditional diplomacy.

In 2005, China was the 15th largest contributor of forces, moving earlier this year to 12th, helped no doubt by increasing its contribution to 1,000 in Lebanon in 2006 to raise its profile in both the Middle East and Europe.

Whether a factor of natural location of UN PKO or Chinese preference, China seems to more frequently go to African destinations for its forces. This fits with Chinese stated public diplomacy strategy (and here for more specific example). 

Whether this is energy diplomacy, the development of an expeditionary capacity, and/or something else, they are getting out and being seen. This topic won’t be going away as the UN has something like 20 operations at once and a new op every 6 months. The $1100/man/month Top 5 “peacekeepers for hire“, who collectively contribute nearly 50% of all UN forces (the top 3 are 39% of the total), will lose some of their monopoly and possibly have a reduced negotiating position for establishing rules of engagement.

Image credit: Stratfor