China's growing military peacekeeping presence in Africa: What benefit(s) (if any) for Continental Security?

In the 1950s, China was one of the least developed countries globally, nevertheless, today, Beijing's rise as a global superpower has over the last three or so decades received unprecedented attention not only in academia but from the political, economic and media discourse. The rise of Chinese hegemony has been witnessed in a range of development driven initiatives in Africa spanning from the economic, political, trade and infrastructural spectrums just to name a few. Nonetheless, over the last thirty plus years, there has been increased attention paid to Beijing's military growth and particularly its presence in Africa through the United Nations (UN's) peacekeeping initiatives. China's growing security presence in Africa outlines its motive for preserving regional peace and order for its already lucrative economic cooperation and trade with a range of African states. While others view Sino-African relations as beneficial to Africa, others are not so convinced, citing that China is after Africa's natural resources for its now flourishing economy. By utilizing a qualitative research approach, the aim of this article is to ponder on Chinese military involvement through peacekeeping missions in Africa and to unearth what gains (if any) these have on continental security presently and moving forward.