Media: Chinese PMC Network Operates in 40 Countries Worldwide

Chinese private military companies (PMCs) operate in 40 countries worldwide, providing security for Chinese companies and citizens.

The RFI media reported on this.

As part of expanding their economic influence, Chinese private military companies have increased their area of operations and are protecting China’s interests from terrorist threats, piracy, as well as manifestations of anti-Chinese racism.

According to the media, official data from the Ministry of State Security of China indicates that between 2010 and 2015, there were over 350 incidents involving Chinese citizens.

These incidents are primarily related to kidnappings, terrorist attacks, xenophobic violence against Chinese people, as well as threats to the lives of Chinese workers abroad.

The situation worsened after attacks on Chinese diplomatic missions, including:

• in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) — 2016;
• in Karachi (Pakistan) — 2018;
• the kidnapping of minors in Osun (Nigeria) — 2019.

As a result, China has started to actively expand the activities of private military companies. According to Merics, their number in the country has surpassed 5,000, with 20 to 40 operating internationally.

These PMCs are popular due to their lower service costs compared to their counterparts in the USA and Europe.

Additionally, the absence of a language barrier allows for more effective coordination in protecting Chinese citizens abroad.

According to the Oxus Central Asia Society, at least six Chinese PMCs operate in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Another six PMCs operate in various countries in Africa. The largest of them are China Overseas Security Group and China Security and Protection Group, which are estimated to employ tens of thousands of people.

It is worth noting that China has ambitious plans to strengthen its presence in certain countries, particularly through the establishment of PMCs, which are also involved in training paramilitary groups, such as the Myanmar junta.

It is reported that one such private military company will be established as a joint venture, and the forces trained by it will operate against the state’s legitimate government in Beijing’s interests. This practice is already being referred to in the media as “disguised colonialism.”

Militarnyi previously reported that China will increase its defense budget by 7.2% in 2025, bringing total military spending to $245 billion.