China's US$1.1b peacekeeping play for global prestige

China has pledged a series of support measures for global peacekeeping missions, in the latest sign that Beijing is extending its military diplomacy.

President Xi Jinping told the UN General Assembly on Monday that Beijing would contribute 8,000 troops to a UN peacekeeping standby force, as well as US$1.1 billion to a China-UN peace fund and military assistance for African Union peacekeeping missions.

Xi's pledges come as China tries to cultivate its image as a responsible international player amid concern over its continuing military build-up and territorial disputes with its Asian neighbours. Beijing has been accused of being a selfish "free rider" in global affairs and practising "new colonialism" in Africa by exploiting the region for its natural resources.

"China's growing activities in Africa are interpreted by some [as] China expanding its sphere of influence in those regions," said Li Mingjiang, of Nanyang Technological University's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "Xi wanted to address those concerns."

Beijing-based military expert Li Jie said China's peacekeeping pledge showed its willingness to share responsibility as a world power.

"The 8,000 peacekeeping standby troops will also push the People's Liberation Army to speed up its modernisation and reform as the upcoming missions need them to take part in real combat exercises - a practical way for the Chinese military to be trained to achieve an international standard," Li said.