China 4th largest contributor to Lebanon peacekeeping force

DPRKPTboat

Junior Member
It seems the PLA now has 1,000 troops in Lebanon. They have the fourth largest amount of troops in the U.N. peacekeeping force. This isn't a usual move, as China doesn't really consider Lebanon as a vital area or in its main interests. Could this be a sign of China expanding its international responsibility? I didn't think they usually sent this many, this is the largest amount of troops they've sent so far on peacekeeping operations.

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adeptitus

Captain
VIP Professional
It seems the PLA now has 1,000 troops in Lebanon. They have the fourth largest amount of troops in the U.N. peacekeeping force. This isn't a usual move, as China doesn't really consider Lebanon as a vital area or in its main interests. Could this be a sign of China expanding its international responsibility? I didn't think they usually sent this many, this is the largest amount of troops they've sent so far on peacekeeping operations.

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There are plenty of places where the UN needs troops, but the middle-east is critical due to its supply of oil:
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The combined estimated oil reserves in the Persian Gulf region is at least 700 billion barrels, comparred to just 18 billion barrels in China and 21 billion barrels in the US.

That is one reason why the US went to war twice in Middle East to maintain a lock on the Western side of Persian Gulf region. The PRC is a late comer and have to elbow in from the corner (Iran & Lebanon).
 
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D

Deleted member 675

Guest
Well I would hope that this deployment is a genuine attempt to try to help stabilise the region and not a cynical ploy to increase Chinese influence - I'm not sure if you were saying that, adeptitus, but it did seem a bit like that.

Anyway, with such a large army (and so little troops currently overseas), China can afford to contribute more towards peacekeeping duties. Personally I would welcome this movement - provided they'll be involved in full duties and not just "support"/for observing.

As a side-note, there has been news from Japan of plans to deploy the JSDF to Lebanon as well, though it isn't confirmed yet. If the deployment does go ahead, it would be the first time that Chinese and Japanese troops were deployed on the same UN military mission in any significant numbers (to my knowledge)....
 

DPRKPTboat

Junior Member
There are plenty of places where the UN needs troops, but the middle-east is critical due to its supply of oil:
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The combined estimated oil reserves in the Persian Gulf region is at least 700 billion barrels, comparred to just 18 billion barrels in China and 21 billion barrels in the US.

This is one reason why the US went to war twice in Middle East to maintain a lock on the Western side of Persian Gulf region. The PRC is a late comer and have to elbow in from the corner (Iran & Lebanon).

It seems China is taking the advantage at the right time though. America's reputation in the Middle East is getting worse, given the Iraq war. The Lebanese certainly don't look upon the Americans well, since the U.S. suppourts Israel which bombed Lebanon. American peacekeepers would probably not be well regarded in Lebanon, so none have been sent. China would appear to be filling the gap left by the Americans.
 
D

Deleted member 675

Guest
The Lebanese certainly don't look upon the Americans well, since the U.S. suppourts Israel which bombed Lebanon. American peacekeepers would probably not be well regarded in Lebanon, so none have been sent.

1. The US isn't sending troops because it has its hands full dealing with Iraq.
2. Although Lebanon wasn't happy with the US' support for Israel, Washington does give Beirut a lot of money in aid and support. Provided the same thing doesn't happen again, relations will improve again over time.

China would appear to be filling the gap left by the Americans.

You're forgetting about the other countries that are providing troops for the peacekeeping operation. If China has anything to gain by sending 1,000 men there, the three nations above it should benefit even more by your own logic.
 

The_LT

New Member
Registered Member
To piggyback of Fu. Not only is the US have their hands full with Iraq/Afghanistan, but also the Lebonnese, the Hamas and supporters, and the reset of the Middle East believes they will favor Isreal. This was seen when US refused to call for a cease fire during the very beginning of the conflict, however, during all other border wars or scrimishes, such as Kosovo and such..ceased fire was demanded by the US. Also, with President Bush's recent comments about his interpertation of the Geneva Convention and as well as the disclousure of "secret prisions" does not help the country's image to the world.

The Chinese on the other hand are trying increase their international status. They are participating more and more in UN peacekeeping missions and taking initiatives such as the North Korean Nuclear crisis. One of the things to truly become a "superpower" is to get involve, and IMO, that is what China is doing.
 

Roger604

Senior Member
Do they have to go around in those light blue UN trucks? And do they all get issued standard UN gear?

Or can China bring some main battle tanks and other heavy gear to test and practice with in southern Lebanon? Or how about bringing in the new WZ-10?

It would be a amazing opportunity for photos if it did.
 

Shingy

New Member
I think this is mainly political, but i reckon this is the first step for the PLA into getting some of their troops with perhaps might later on become some combat experience if any.
Although trying to keep the peace, doesn't really seem like they may fight in anyway.
 

Player 0

Junior Member
Do they have to go around in those light blue UN trucks? And do they all get issued standard UN gear?

Or can China bring some main battle tanks and other heavy gear to test and practice with in southern Lebanon? Or how about bringing in the new WZ-10?

It would be a amazing opportunity for photos if it did.


They do in all other Peacekeeping operations they've been involved in, Haiti, Congo, etc. Speaking of which what exactly does the UN have in terms of equipment?
 

isthvan

Tailgunner
VIP Professional
Do they have to go around in those light blue UN trucks? And do they all get issued standard UN gear?

Sorry but what standard issue UN gear? Blue beret?
When you are deploying troops in peacekeeping mission you are also deploying all equipment they need (trucks, APC, weapons, com systems etc.)…


Or can China bring some main battle tanks and other heavy gear to test and practice with in southern Lebanon? Or how about bringing in the new WZ-10?

It would be a amazing opportunity for photos if it did.

If they wish Chinese government can deploy heavy equipment in Lebanon; French have deployed Leclerc MBT, wheeled and tracked IFV, Italians and Spanish contingent have deployed everything except MBTs…
On other hand I doubt that China would deploy WZ-10 or type99 MBT in peacekeeping mission. Maybe we will see type92 APC and few Z-9 or Mi17 helicopters?

Anyway it is nice to see that China has, as member of UN Security Council, started contributing more to UN peacekeeping operation…
 
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