Marines of the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) / US Marine Corps photo
China appears to be responding to evolving global dynamics by deploying private security personnel, many of whom are suspected to be covert operatives from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In a prominent example, following a series of terrorist attacks directed at Chinese nationals in Pakistan, China has implemented notable measures to safeguard its citizens involved in initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
When Pakistan, wary of jeopardizing its national sovereignty and mindful of potential diplomatic repercussions, resisted the deployment of the PLA on its territory, China opted for a different approach, finalizing an agreement with three Chinese private security companies (PSCs)—Dewey Security Frontier Service Group, China Overseas Security Group and Huaxin Zhongshan Security Service—to protect Chinese nationals in the country. While these firms operate independently, they retain close ties to the PLA, allowing China to maintain influence without direct military involvement. These companies, tied to retired PLA officers, will oversee security in critical zones, including CPEC projects and the strategically important Gwadar Port.
Threat to sovereignty
Similarly, in Myanmar, China is collaborating with the military junta to establish a joint security arrangement by which Chinese PSCs can be deployed in the country—a concerning development. In February, the Myanmar military regime promulgated the Private Security Services Law, which enables Chinese private security organizations to be stationed in Myanmar to protect Beijing’s interests in the country, including Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
This arrangement could be interpreted as undermining Myanmar’s sovereignty. Under Myanmar’s 2008 constitution, the stationing of foreign military forces on its territory is explicitly prohibited. By presenting this initiative as a joint venture involving a Chinese “company”, it seems designed to sidestep allegations of foreign military encroachment. The structure of the venture, being framed as private and partially Burmese, enables Beijing to maintain a degree of plausible deniability. This approach allows China to distance itself from overt involvement while potentially guiding the security entity to advance its broader foreign policy goals on the ground.
As Chinese state-owned enterprises have expanded their operations globally, there has been a corresponding rise in the deployment of Chinese personnel to international projects. However, this increased presence has made Chinese nationals more vulnerable to security threats, particularly in politically unstable regions. Notable examples include the tragic killing of 11 Chinese road engineers in Afghanistan in 2004, an attack on three Chinese workers in Pakistan in 2007, and the kidnappings of Chinese workers in Sudan and Egypt in 2012, among other incidents. Such events underscore the heightened risks faced by Chinese citizens working abroad, especially in volatile environments.
A 2020 report from the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs identified at least six Chinese PSCs operating in the region, offering a diverse array of services encompassing both armed and unarmed site protection, security consulting, safety training, insurance provision nd logistical support.
In response to these challenges, the mid-2000s witnessed the emergence and growth of Chinese PSCs as a pragmatic solution to safeguard overseas personnel and assets. These professional security contractors began offering services tailored to the needs of Chinese state-owned entities operating in high-risk regions. Their responsibilities often include providing armed protection, mitigating threats, and ensuring the safety of Chinese investments and staff. This development reflects China’s strategic approach to securing its interests amidst the complexities of operating in politically sensitive areas worldwide.
Neocolonialism
Under the pretext of ensuring security, China has strategically deployed its security personnel overseas. This move, often described as “colonialism in disguise,” represents more than just a protective measure; it reflects a calculated effort to expand its influence and secure its interests under the appearance of private enterprise. By embedding security forces within international projects, China seeks to exert control over key regions and safeguard its investments abroad, particularly in areas of geopolitical and economic significance.
A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), “The Quiet Expansion of Chinese Private Security Companies”, highlights the roles of private military companies (PMCs) and PSCs, which cater to both government and private clients with armed and unarmed services. Chinese PSCs have rapidly expanded, increasingly blurring the line between security and military services. A 2018 MERICS study reported over 7,000 PSCs operating domestically in China, with a smaller international footprint of about 20 companies employing 3,200 security professionals. However, other estimates suggest 30 to 40 Chinese PSCs are active overseas, operating in regions such as Central Asia and Africa.
China’s extensive use of PSCs within its borders signals significant potential for international deployment, reinforcing its global influence. While precise data on the number and locations of Chinese PSCs remains elusive, think tank reports and media sources indicate their presence in over 40 countries. Although their scale abroad remains smaller than that of Western PMCs, Chinese PSCs are well-positioned for growth, particularly as BRI investments increase.
This approach allows China to operate under the guise of addressing safety concerns, while subtly advancing its broader strategic agenda. By positioning its security personnel in foreign territories, it not only strengthens its presence but also establishes a framework for influencing local dynamics—be they political, commercial or social. These activities illustrate China’s evolving methods of wielding power and building its global footprint, often blurring the lines between private initiatives and state-sponsored strategies.
Interestingly, this approach stands in stark contrast to the historical narrative of the Chinese people’s resistance to foreign interventions during the early 20th century. At that time, Chinese citizens fiercely opposed the presence of armed units from foreign legations within their borders and resisted the expansion of colonial, commercial and Christian missionary activities imposed by external powers.
In an ironic twist, modern-day China seems to be adopting similar tactics to advance its own political and commercial ambitions on the global stage. By leveraging covert security personnel, China is attempting to extend its influence abroad, while simultaneously safeguarding its economic and geopolitical interests. This strategy highlights the complexities of international relations and China’s evolving role in shaping them.
The United States confronts a complex array of challenges in its strategic competition with China, with Chinese PSCs representing just one facet of this broader rivalry. PMCs and PSCs play a critical role in global power projection, serving as tools to extend influence and safeguard strategic interests. If left unchecked, China’s deployment of PSCs could further entrench its global presence, enabling it to operate discreetly in politically sensitive regions while advancing its geopolitical ambitions.
Vaishali Basu Sharma is an analyst on geopolitical and macroeconomic issues.
