Peaceful Relations?: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and the Military Relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China
Abstract
The complex relationship between the United States (U.S.) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) includes stated desires for increased military-to-military relations. China's increased participation in United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), since 1990, provides a venue often mentioned as an opportunity to increase the U.S. and PRC military relations. The purpose of this thesis is to test assertions on this topic, specifically, that cooperative participation in UN PKO is an effective means to improve the U.S. and PRC military relationship. The thesis presents and analyses the organizational framework of UN PKO, and U.S. and PRC military contributions such operations. The thesis concludes that two primary challenges exist which prevent a likely increase in U.S. and Chinese military relations at this time. First, the small number of U.S. military troops contributed to UN PKO and second, the nature of PRC People's Liberation Army troops contributed in formed units, thus limiting their interaction or integration with other troop contributing countries. The thesis suggests that UN PKO participation at the tactical level does not directly support the desired increase in military relations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA576127
Entities
People
- Matthew J. Castillo
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College