The upcoming 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, highlights “Peace and Security” as one of its four high-level meetings, underscoring its importance in China-Africa relations. For Beijing, South Sudan is not just another African country; it represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate China’s commitment to global peace and security.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has been embroiled in conflict since its independence in 2011. With over 100 tribes and a history of inter-tribal violence, the country has faced significant challenges in maintaining stability. Amid this turmoil, China has emerged as a crucial player, not only as a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping forces but also as a key advocate for a comprehensive peace strategy under its Global Security Initiative.
In 2015, China deepened its commitment to South Sudan by deploying its first full infantry battalion to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This 700-strong battalion, stationed in the capital city of Juba, has been at the forefront of some of the most critical and dangerous operations, including armed patrols, conflict separation and security searches. Equipped with light weapons and mobile armored personnel carriers, these troops form the backbone of peacekeeping efforts in one of the most volatile regions in the world.
China’s presence in South Sudan is not limited to infantry units. The country has deployed over 1,000 peacekeepers, including engineering and medical personnel, making South Sudan the mission area with the largest Chinese peacekeeping contingent. The engineering units, based in Wau, have played a vital role in maintaining essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges and airports, which are crucial for the success of UN operations. Meanwhile, Chinese medical units have provided indispensable healthcare services to both UN personnel and local communities, addressing critical needs in regions where medical facilities are often lacking.
The Chinese infantry battalion has been instrumental in maintaining order in Juba. This unit is responsible for guarding and patrolling 15 observation posts and buffer zones around UN House, the headquarters of UNMISS, ensuring the safety of nearly 70,000 civilians sheltered in two camps around the compound. These daily patrols, conducted both on foot and by vehicle, are crucial for preventing armed conflict and protecting vulnerable populations.
China’s involvement in South Sudan is part of a broader strategy under the Global Security Initiative, a framework introduced by President Xi Jinping that underscores the importance of peace and security as foundations for sustainable development. At the 2021 FOCAC Ministerial Conference, Xi emphasized the need for China and Africa to jointly implement a “peace and security program” as a core element of their cooperation.
China’s contributions to peacekeeping in South Sudan are grounded in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have long guided its foreign policy. Three of these principles – mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful coexistence – are particularly relevant in South Sudan, where sovereignty and stability remain fragile.
Beyond its peacekeeping efforts, China has provided substantial in-kind assistance to South Sudan’s unified forces, supported mediation efforts led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union, and consistently advocated for the lifting of international sanctions and the arms embargo. These actions reflect China’s broader philosophy of respecting sovereignty while supporting nations in charting their own development paths.
As the FOCAC summit approaches, China’s involvement in South Sudan will be closely scrutinized, not only for its immediate impact on the country’s stability but also for what it reveals about Beijing’s evolving role on the global stage. The challenge extends beyond whether China can help stabilize South Sudan; it also encompasses how Beijing’s actions in this region will shape the future of its engagement with Africa and the wider world.