When Peace Serves Two Masters
China in South Sudan
In the heart of Juba, South Sudan’s capital, a significant ceremony took place on October 23, 2025. Seven hundred members of China’s 11th Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion, part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), were awarded the UN Peace Medal of Honor. Deployed since December 2024, these troops completed 308 days of guard duties, executed 586 high-risk operations including armed escorts and patrols, and delivered vital humanitarian aid—such as free medical clinics, clean water supplies, and agricultural training to local communities. UNMISS Juba Sector Commander Brigadier General Muhammad Iqbal Hossain praised them, remarking that “out of the three contingents in the Juba sector, the Chinese battalion stands out for its high standards and positive impact. I’m really happy and fully contented to get such a professional contingent in UNMISS, and really proud of them.”
This event is not an anomaly. China has become the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, with over 70,000 peacekeepers deployed globally since 1990 and more than 2,000 currently active in Africa. In South Sudan alone, Chinese units—from infantry in Juba to engineering teams in Wau and helicopter squads in Abyei—have earned multiple accolades. Just weeks earlier, on October 1, 2025—China’s National Day—China’s 5th peacekeeping helicopter unit in Abyei received similar medals. A female Chinese peacekeeper, Zhao, was also honored in August 2025 for her year-long service, earning both the UN Peace Medal and an excellence award.
On the surface, this medal ceremony represents a triumph for international cooperation in one of the world’s most unstable regions. UNMISS, established in 2011 following South Sudan’s independence, aims to protect civilians amid ongoing ethnic conflicts and a civil war that has displaced millions. South Sudan, despite its oil wealth, grapples with famine, corruption, and violence, making external support essential. Chinese forces have fortified Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites in Juba, constructed infrastructure like roads and hospitals, and provided medical care to thousands. As Western nations reduce their commitments—due to fatigue from prolonged engagements—China steps in, filling critical gaps in personnel and resources.
However, this development offers a deeper lens into Africa’s broader challenges and evolving geopolitical dynamics. First, it underscores the continent’s persistent instability. Africa hosts half of the UN’s active peacekeeping missions, addressing threats ranging from jihadist insurgencies, such as those in the now-defunct MINUSMA in Mali, to clan-based militancy in Somalia. South Sudan exemplifies this: born from a 2011 referendum following decades of Sudanese civil war, it descended into its own conflict by 2013, resulting in over 400,000 deaths and 4 million displaced. The African Union (AU) aspires to “African solutions for African problems” through initiatives like the African Standby Force and the “Silencing the Guns” campaign. Yet, funding shortages, political divisions, and under-equipped militaries hinder progress, leaving room for foreign interventions.
China’s involvement blends genuine humanitarianism with strategic interests, creating a nuanced picture. Beijing holds significant stakes in South Sudan’s oil sector, with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) controlling about 40% of key fields. Conflicts have disrupted pipelines leading to Port Sudan, threatening billions of dollars in investments. Peacekeeping missions indirectly safeguard these assets; a 2014 UN agreement even mandated protection of oil infrastructure. This aligns with China’s “win-win” diplomacy, promoted through forums like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where Beijing pledges billions in infrastructure loans and aid. The medals enhance China’s image as a “responsible great power,” contributing to global good and countering accusations of neo-colonialism or “debt-trap diplomacy.”
A balanced view must acknowledge criticisms. In July 2016, during intense fighting in Juba, Chinese peacekeepers were accused of abandoning posts at the Terrain Hotel compound, where attackers killed, raped, and looted for hours, affecting dozens of civilians, including aid workers. Reports from groups like the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) highlighted failures, though China denied negligence, noting their own losses (two killed, six wounded). Such incidents reflect early challenges for China’s first infantry deployments in combat zones. However, subsequent rotations demonstrate improvement, with repeated UN commendations signaling enhanced training and effectiveness.
For Africa, this medal illuminates both opportunities and risks. Many African governments, including South Sudan’s, welcome China’s no-strings-attached approach—contrasting with Western aid, which emphasizes governance reforms and human rights. This fosters multipolarity, allowing African nations to diversify partners and negotiate better terms. Chinese-built dams, railways, and hospitals drive development, while peacekeeping bolsters security without overt political interference. Nonetheless, dependency is a concern: South Sudan’s $827.54 million debt to China raises sustainability questions, and Beijing’s reluctance to support UN sanctions on corrupt leaders prioritizes stability over accountability.
In essence, the Juba ceremony is a microcosm of Africa’s repositioning in global affairs. It highlights resilience amid resource curses and conflict, but also the need for greater self-reliance. As Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged, true liberation comes from within. African leaders should leverage such partnerships to strengthen AU capabilities, audit foreign debts, and promote intra-continental trade. Embracing Chinese blue helmets is pragmatic, but forging indigenous peace mechanisms is imperative. Peace, after all, is not bestowed—it must be built from the ground up.
This event in Juba thus serves as a mirror: reflecting Africa’s vulnerabilities, its strategic agency, and the shifting sands of international influence. By honoring these peacekeepers, the UN not only recognizes service but also prompts a continent to chart its own path toward lasting stability.