The activities of Chinese private security companies as a tool for expanding China’s geopolitical influence

Relevance. The collapse of the bipolar world and the building of international relations in conditions of increasing turbulence have led to the intensification of the use of private paramilitary forces by both states and economic entities to protect their business interests and follow geopolitical priorities. China, being one of the key actors in global economic relations, has been increasing its presence abroad since 2010 by expanding the geography of private security companies.

The purpose of the paper is to study the development of the activities of private security companies in China as a tool for expanding geopolitical influence.

The objectives are to systematize the features and activities of PSCs; review Chinese national legislation regarding private security companies; study the market for private security services in China; analyze the activities of Chinese PSCs abroad.

Methodology. The study has used applied and general scientific research methods, including systemic and comparative analysis, as well as synthesis of information on the topic of the work.

Results. The study has examined the reasons for the development of the market for private military and security services, highlighted the main advantages and disadvantages of PSCs, investigated the dynamics of the formation of Chinese PSCs, analyzed the geography of the activities of Chinese PSCs in foreign markets.

Conclusion. Given the transformation of the system for ensuring international stability, the states’ demand for private security services has increased significantly. China is armed with a national market for private security companies, some of which operate in foreign markets. The geography of the activities of Chinese PSCs coincides with the geopolitical interests of the PRC and the regions where major investment projects are being implemented.

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