In its 30 years of UN peacekeeping operations, China has dispatched more than 40,000 peacekeepers for over 30 missions, contributing more peacekeepers than any other permanent member of the Security Council. But there are accusations that China only sends soldiers abroad to protect its own economic and geopolitical interests. Lu Jianxin, professor at College of International Studies of National University of Defense Technology, said China is not projecting presence and influence in Africa, but rather helping create a more secure Africa.