US Accuses China of Spying Through UN Peacekeeping

US lawmakers have criticized China’s growing presence in the United Nations, accusing Beijing of using its peacekeeping forces for espionage.

During a Congressional hearing on UN funding, South Carolina Republican Representative Sheri Biggs expressed concerns about China’s peacekeeping department, saying it was strategically focused on sensitive areas, including Belt and Road Initiative corridors, ports, and mineral resources.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz also spoke about the Chinese peacekeeping force, saying they were well-equipped and prepared for UN missions. However, he questioned whether they were serving two purposes – one for the UN and another for the Chinese Communist Party.

Waltz also mentioned that the US was working to reform the UN, including streamlining and downsizing operations in South Sudan, where China has significant energy and geopolitical interests.

Lawmakers also criticized the UN’s record on preventing wars and questioned China’s influence within the organization. Pennsylvania Republican Representative Scott Perry accused China of buying votes in the UN General Assembly through its Belt and Road Initiative.

Waltz defended the UN as a necessary platform for global discussion, despite needing reform. He emphasized the importance of US presence in the Security Council and setting global standards.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded, stating that Taiwan’s participation in the UN was a domestic issue for China. The embassy also dismissed the committee’s claims as unfounded.

On Wednesday, the US Special Forces officer also faced intense criticism over the Iran war. The administration’s lack of transparency has fueled the controversy, with only a few officials testifying before Congress.

California Democrat Representative Sara Jacobs questioned Waltz about the safety of Americans since the start of the war. Waltz replied that the world and the American people were safer, citing the absence of nuclear weapons in Iran.

Jacobs countered, saying that the situation was not improving, with the US requesting an additional $87 billion from Congress to fund the war. She also mentioned the loss of at least 18 American service members.

The hearing was marked by repeated clashes between Republicans and Democrats over the war and the administration’s transparency.