Chinese military sets up unit for ‘non-war’ activities abroad, as country seeks greater role on world stage

China’s defence ministry said yesterday it had set up a dedicated unit to coordinate “non-war” activities overseas, such as evacuations from conflict zones, as China seeks to play a greater role in the world.

The new Overseas Action Department had been established as part of broader military reforms, the ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular monthly news briefing.

“In recent years, as our national and military strength have increased, the Chinese military has many times participated in overseas military actions, proactively fulfilling our international responsibilities and obligations,” Yang said.

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The department’s main mission was to plan, coordinate and enact “non-war” overseas action, such as peacekeeping missions, evacuations and joint drills, he added.

China has sent its navy to take part in anti-piracy patrols in the waters off Somalia since 2008. Last April, the navy helped evacuate 613 Chinese citizens and 279 foreigners from Yemen.

Yang said any missions would respect the United Nations charter and international norms, and would be aimed at preserving peace and stability.

He denounced as speculation claims Beijing would declare an air defence identification zone over the disputed South China Sea. The United States has previously told China it would not recognise such a zone.