More than 1,000 Chinese soldiers have been winning hearts and minds among the people of Juba, in South Sudan, where a People's Liberation Army (PLA) contingent called the CHN-BATT has been stationed since China joined the United Nations (UN) effort to protect civilians and UN personnel in the strife-torn country earlier this year.

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Some observers had raised their brows when China sent a battalion consisting of 700 infantry soldiers, 263 engineers and 63 medics to the area in January.  The deployment marked the first time Chinese combat troops had ever taken part in a UN peacekeeping mission. Beijing had previously limited its participation in such UN-sanctioned efforts to the deployment of engineers, medical and transport workers, and security guards. 

Some had pointed to China's huge investments in South Sudan and speculated that Beijing was moving to tighten its grip and control over its money-making ventures in the country.  Civil war had slashed the country's oil production by a third at the time.

"It comes down to interest," observed author and journalist Richard Poplak. "The Chinese have poured billions and billions into South Sudan, so many resources it's almost baffling."  

Almost a year later and the innuendos and allegations still abound.  In August, a UN panel issued a report claiming that Chinese companies supplied South Sudan with anti-tank weapons,rifles and ammunition worth around $20 million.

But speculations notwithstanding, the blue-helmeted Chinese peacekeepers toting assault rifles have by now become a familiar but low-key presence in the narrow, dusty backstreets of Juba.  

People in the city approach the CHN-BATT for all forms of assistance. The UN peacekeepers patrol the neighborhoods, bring potable water to thirsty communities, and provide medical assistance to the sick and ailing. Occasionally, too, they are called on to settle violent disputes inside the displacement camps that still provide sanctuary for over a million people made homeless by the country's recent troubles, according to the BBC. 

Chinese authorities recently allowed the British news organization access to the CHN-BATT camp.  The news crew shot footage of the soldiers on their daily routines. In the footage, Chinese peacekeepers are seen in casual conversation with people in the streets of Juba as they go about their duties.  Children approach them with smiles, and the BBC notes that the soldiers gamely take selfies with them. 

A man in one of the displacement camps tells the news crew that the Chinese have always been in Africa for business. "Now they are here to protect us," he said. "We believe that nothing will come and harm us inside the camp when they are here."

While it may be true that the Chinese military is in South Sudan more for China's national interests than those of the UN,  it is becoming increasingly clear -- at least to some in Juba -- that the soldiers of CHN-BATT are also in the country to make friends.

TagsCHN-BATT, South Sudan, Juba, UN peacekeepers, Chinese Troops South Sudan