China's UN Peacekeeping Experience In Africa: The Case Of Democratic Republic Of Congo, Sudan And Liberia

China's UN Peacekeeping experience in Africa specifically in DRC, Sudan and Liberia has largely been positive, recommendable and portrayed professionalism. Using qualitative rather than quantitative methods of investigation because qualitative methods better understand any phenomenon about which little is yet known, this paper examined China's experience under the context of international regime theory.In light of the above, this paper is divided into five chapters namely:General Introduction, The United Nations Security Council and China's UN Peacekeeping Policy from 1948-2010, China's UN Peacekeeping Experience in Africa, Prospects for China-Africa Cooperation under the framework of the United Nations Security Council as well as conclusion and recommendations.Chapterâ… General IntroductionIn this chapter, an overview of pertinent literature is provided to preface the study. Besides, this chapter provides the statement of the problem. The statement elucidates clearly justifications behind the selection of cases (DRC, Sudan, and Liberia) for this study. One of the main reasons is because China has deployed its largest troops in the aforementioned cases.Also, it is in this chapter that the main research objective, central research question, methodological and theoretical frameworks for this study are given and explained.Chapterâ…¡The United Nations Security Council and China's UN Peacekeeping Policy from 1948-2010This chapter presents an analytical nexus between the UN, UNSC and peacekeeping operations. There is a mammoth relationship existing and linking the three, and China's careful consideration of this nexus has awarded it professional and recommendable experience.This chapter again analyzes China's UN Peacekeeping Policy from 1948-2010 as well as its future peacekeeping policy. The idea behind this chapter is to find out whether China's policy has anything to do with experience. It is evident that China's peacekeeping policy has been fundamental in determining the experience. China's peacekeeping policy continues to be influenced by the concept of sovereignty and its associated principles. Nevertheless, China will have to consider three conditions to shape its future peacekeeping policy; a UN request, the real situation in the destination country or region, and the ability of their military. These conditions are important because they take into account China's national defense policy, which is defensive in nature, troops' capability as well as the international community's response.Chapterâ…¢China's UN Peacekeeping Experience in AfricaThis chapter looks at the central focus of this study. It lucidly examines China's experience in DRC, Sudan and Liberia. Thus, it contends that China's UN peacekeeping in Africa has been positive. This is an experience to learn from and depend on.However, the chapter proceeds to unfold some implications of this experience on China and the entire world. This experience underlines China's role as a responsible stakeholder in the international community and gives it more prospects for regional power influence. This influence is parlayed into prestige and clout, both of which are attractive in the eyes of many countries, especially those inclined to search for alternatives to partnerships of the kinds traditionally offered by Western nations.Chapter IV Prospects for China-Africa Cooperation under the Framework of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)One of the justifications for including this chapter was to find out if China-Africa Cooperation under the framework of the UNSC can position some African countries (representatives of other African countries) on the Security Council. This chapter shows that it is the UNSC and DPKO that determine or permit any peacekeeping operation. Therefore, for any peacekeeping mission to be carried out, it must get the approval of the UNSC among others.Against this background, this chapter argues that, if there is full use of deep experience and camaraderie the two sides (China and Africa) share, and grow a common desire for development and strategic interests, there is a possibility that this Cooperation could position some African countries on the Security Council.Lastly, this chapter looks at how this cooperation can work towards positioning Africa on the UNSC, challenges ahead and the position of China.Chapter V Conclusion and RecommendationsAlthough, this paper did not cover all ten African countries where China sent Peacekeepers since 1989 to-date to examine broader experiences, there are lucid indications that China, after a period of doubt and criticisms against UNPKO, is beginning to advance its peacekeeping capability with professionalism and praise.Nevertheless, the paper suggests three main recommendations that are viewed as strategies for uplifting China to greater heights. These recommendations are; short or immediate term, midterm and long term in nature.