China’s Diplomatic Stakes in the UNIFIL Crisis

In recent weeks, China has expressed strong condemnation of the attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers following a series of incidents involving Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has called for a thorough investigation and demanded that all parties take concrete steps to prevent further attacks on UNIFIL forces, highlighting the safety of Chinese personnel stationed in southern Lebanon.

Since October 1, when Israeli ground operations intensified in the region, UNIFIL positions have been affected multiple times, with peacekeepers injured and infrastructure damaged. China’s proactive stance in defending its contingent is a mix of internal equilibrium, interests in international peacekeeping, and diplomatic positions in the Middle East. At first glance, China’s primary interest might be much more focused on ensuring the safety of its contingent amidst rising instability.

While early reports suggested that the damage to the Chinese peacekeepers’ camp in Lebanon on September 23rd was caused by missiles landing nearby, China Daily reveals that a rocket fell and exploded inside the camp itself. Fortunately, the soldiers were in a bunker at the time, which prevented any casualties. But there’s more to analyze.

China’s Peacekeeping Role in Lebanon

China contributes 418 soldiers to the UNIFIL mission, making it a mid-to-high-level contributor to the peacekeeping force. This places China behind only Indonesia, Italy, and India, providing the mission’s largest contingents. Beijing’s involvement in UNIFIL dates back to 2006, and its 22nd Chinese Peacekeeping Construction Engineering Company currently stationed in Lebanon includes engineers, medical personnel, and mine-clearance experts. This long-standing contribution reflects China’s commitment to multilateralism and the protection of international law.

However, the risks faced by Chinese peacekeepers have raised significant concerns back home. In September, a series of aerial bombs damaged Chinese barracks in southern Lebanon, heightening anxieties within China. A video of Chinese soldiers expressing love for their families while stationed in the conflict zone went viral on Chinese social media, further fueling public support for the “heroes” abroad and increasing pressure on the Chinese government to ensure their safety. Worth to mention also another video, surfaced showing Hezbollah missile launches from an area not far from a Chinese UNIFIL post—footage that has sparked controversy in Israel.

In a recent statement, Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian assured that Chinese peacekeepers are “safe now” and emphasized that Beijing is closely monitoring the security situation in Lebanon. He also confirmed that China will be taking additional measures to strengthen the protection of its troops. Wu added that China is “seriously concerned” and strongly condemns the Israeli military’s attacks on UNIFIL. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable. He urged all parties to take real action to prevent further incidents and to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel and assets.

The Diplomatic Dimension: China as a Mediator

Also, based on the peacekeeping activities, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate, China is positioning itself as a potential diplomatic force in the region. In recent phone calls with the foreign ministers of both Israel and Iran, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue and protecting UN peacekeepers, aligning with its broader vision of maintaining stability in the Middle East.

This comes at a time when Israel has reportedly delivered a diplomatic proposal to the United States, as reported by Axios. The document outlines Israel’s terms for ending the conflict with Hezbollah, including a request that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) be allowed to actively prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding its military infrastructure near the border. Additionally, Israel has asked for its air force to retain freedom of operation within Lebanese airspace. However, US officials have expressed skepticism, noting that it is unlikely that Lebanon or the international community will accept such terms.

In front of these complex requests, though cautious, China’s diplomatic involvement could become crucial if the conflict escalates further or if key international players reject Israel’s conditions. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has a vested interest in ensuring that UNIFIL remains intact and effective, particularly given the significant risks its peacekeepers face. In this context, Beijing may seek to position itself as a neutral mediator, offering alternatives that are more acceptable to both the international community and the parties involved in the conflict.

Andrea Ghiselli, Head of Research at ChinaMed, notes that China’s vigorous defense of UNIFIL is rooted in some interconnected factors. “First, the United Nations plays a central role in China’s diplomacy as an instrument to protect and advance its interests, reinforced by its permanent seat on the Security Council. Second, Israeli actions against UNIFIL bolster the Chinese narrative that Israel (and by extension the United States) are contributing to instability.”

Domestic Concerns

Ghiselli also notes that this nationalist sentiment reflects the increasing pressures on the Chinese government to protect its citizens and military personnel abroad. “With Chinese soldiers in UNIFIL, there is a natural nationalist element at play, linking China’s domestic politics directly to UNIFIL and the Gaza conflict.”

In the context of UNIFIL, ensuring the safety of Chinese peacekeepers is not just a diplomatic priority but also a critical domestic concern, as the government seeks to maintain its narrative of stable actors and responsible power. This connection between foreign policy and domestic expectations further highlights the intertwining of China’s international actions with its internal need to project strength and responsibility.

The Chinese public’s growing concern for the safety of its peacekeepers adds an internal dynamic to China’s foreign policy. That viral video of Chinese peacekeepers and the memory of past injuries reinforce the narrative of China as a responsible global actor dedicated to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

The Future of UNIFIL and China’s Role

Given the context, the complexities, the opportunities, and the interests at stake, “the Chinese government has no choice but to take this stance,” Ghiselli said.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah poses significant challenges for UNIFIL, and the safety of peacekeepers remains a critical issue. China’s strong condemnation of the attacks and diplomatic engagement demonstrate its evolving role as a peacekeeper and mediator in the Middle East. As the conflict unfolds, China’s actions regarding its commitment to multilateralism and its ability to balance its relationships with key regional powers will be closely watched.

Moreover, China’s active participation in UNIFIL contributes to international stability and aligns with its strategic narrative of promoting a harmonious world. This concept, a crucial pillar of its diplomacy, emphasizes peaceful development, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.

By participating in such peacekeeping missions, China reinforces its image as a stabilizing force and a responsible global actor. It portrays itself as a key player in maintaining international harmony and resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than coercion. This narrative enhances China’s soft power while supporting its broader goals by embedding China within a global peacekeeping framework.

However, China’s actions will shape its role in UNIFIL and the Mediterranean, signaling its broader ambitions as a stabilizing power on the global stage. How Beijing navigates this complex environment will offer insights into its long-term strategy of blending diplomatic influence with its strategic narrative.