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US lawmakers accuse China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries

US lawmakers accused China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries, citing concerns over China's growing footprint at the United Nations.

By Mark Magnier·Jul 22·scmp.com·1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

US lawmakers accuse China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries
Image: scmp.com

US lawmakers accused China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries, citing concerns over China's growing footprint at the United Nations. China's peacekeeping forces are concentrated in strategically sensitive regions, including areas along Belt and Road corridors, near ports, mineral resources, and existing or potential basing locations.

Why it matters

The accusation raises concerns over China's intentions and its growing influence at the United Nations.

Imagine you're on a team that's supposed to help people in need, but some team members are secretly working for a rival team to gather information. That's what some US lawmakers are accusing China of doing with its peacekeeping forces at the United Nations. They think China is using its peacekeeping forces to spy on countries, especially in areas that are important to the US.

Analysis

A Growing Concern: China's UN Peacekeeping Forces

China's growing footprint at the United Nations has raised concerns over its intentions and influence. Lawmakers have accused China of using its peacekeeping forces to spy on countries, citing concerns over its growing presence in strategically sensitive regions.

According to Sheri Biggs, a Republican from South Carolina, China's peacekeeping department is concentrated in areas along Belt and Road corridors, near ports, mineral resources, and existing or potential basing locations. This has led to concerns over whether this designation is cover to advance military and intelligence objectives in regions where the US has strategic interests.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, acknowledged that China's peacekeeping forces are generally well-equipped and better prepared for UN missions than those of other member states. However, he also noted that part of the US reform agenda includes using its influence on the UN Security Council to streamline and downsize the South Sudan operation, an area where China has major energy and geopolitical interests.

The accusation raises questions over China's intentions and its growing influence at the United Nations. As the US continues to navigate its relationship with China, it is clear that the issue of China's UN peacekeeping forces will remain a point of contention.

Key points

  • US lawmakers accused China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries
  • China's peacekeeping forces are concentrated in strategically sensitive regions
  • Concerns over China's intentions and influence at the United Nations
The Upside

If the US and China can work together to address these concerns, it could lead to a more transparent and collaborative relationship between the two nations.

The Downside

If China continues to use its peacekeeping forces for espionage, it could lead to a breakdown in trust between the US and China, making it harder to address global challenges.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsus-china-relationsun-peacekeeping-forceschina-espionageus-diplomacy

Author

Mark Magnier

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 22, 2026

Source

scmp.com

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Topics

us-china-relationsun-peacekeeping-forceschina-espionageus-diplomacy

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