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

US lawmakers have accused China of leveraging its participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces as a front for espionage operations. The allegations surfaced during a Congressional hearing focused on UN funding, which quickly devolved into a heated partisan exchange that also touched upon the Iran war.

Witnesses, such as Sheri Biggs, highlighted concerns about China's expanding footprint within the UN. Lawmakers pointed to the concentration of China's peacekeeping personnel in strategically vital areas. These locations, they argued, are often situated along Belt and Road Initiative corridors, near critical ports, mineral resources, and potential basing sites, suggesting a broader geopolitical agenda.

The hearing underscored a growing distrust among some US political factions regarding China's influence and activities within international organizations. The accusations suggest a belief that China exploits its role in global security efforts to gather intelligence and advance its national interests, raising alarms about transparency and security within the UN framework.

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The Chinese peacekeeping department is concentrated in strategically sensitive regions, including areas along Belt and Road [Initiative] corridors, near ports, mineral resources, and existing or potential basing locations.