China's 'Combat Troops' Are Now In Africa

China's 'Combat Troops' in Africa -- Killer Apps/Foreign Policy

For the second time in a little over a year, China has infantry on the ground in Africa, reflecting the Chinese military's increasingly global presence.

395 peacekeepers from the People's Liberation Army just arrived in the Saharan nation of Mali as part of the U.N. mission to help restore order there. Specifically, Beijing has sent engineering, medical and "guard" teams to the Malian capital of Bamako, according to the Chinese defense ministry. These troops are reportedly part of the PLA's 16th Army, a formation comprised of infantry, armor and artillery divisions.

China traditionally sends thousands of engineering, medical and other support troops on U.N. missions each year. Of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China is the largest manpower contributor to U.N. peacekeeping missions.

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My Comment: Of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China is already the largest manpower contributor to U.N. peacekeeping missions. This deployment to Mali is just another step that is reflecting the Chinese military's increasingly global presence.