Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Thursday, September 11, 2014
China is not known for human rights or getting involved in the disputes of other countries; however, with its assets in South Sudan, the Asian superpower has joined the UN peacekeeping force. China will send 700 soldiers to protect its oil fields and workers. The Wall Street Journal reported that the airlift of a Chinese infantry battalion to the South Sudanese states of Unity and Upper Nile was expected to take several days, while Reuters quoted the UN as saying they would join the troops later in the year.
China has always disagreed with UN peacekeeping missions dating back to 1971, calling it unwarranted interference. In 1992, the Asian country saw its first deployment of peacekeeping troops with current data at around 2,000 soldiers on various peacekeeping missions. Although Chinese statistics are often unverified, if this figure is correct, it would put China behind the US in troop support as far as the five seats on the UN permanent Security Council. However, up until this recent announcement of deployments to South Sudan, China had never gotten involved in military operations.
Under its mandate the peacekeepers are allowed to use “all necessary means” to protect civilians at oil installations, according to the Wall Street Journal report. If attacked, the Chinese soldiers are “combat ready and can fight back” the South Sudan presidential spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, said.
China has been pushing for a resolution between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar.
" alt="First LNG Realized at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project">
" alt="United Energy Acquires Western Desert Producer APEX">
" alt="Baker Hughes Announces Major Gas Technology Orders for Venture Global LNG">
" alt="ReconAfrica: Naingopo Results Demonstrate a Working Petroleum System">
" alt="Tullow Highlights 2025 Operational Plans in Ghana">
" alt="TotalEnergies to Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years">
" alt="Rockhopper Reaches Final Settlement with United on Egypt’s Abu Sennan Concession">
" alt="Oil & Gas Crucial for African Growth: AEC Calls for Industry Support to Defend African Market">
