China’s PSCs Lead the World Towards Stability While PMCs Fan the Flames of Chaos

BEIJING, June 17 (Xinhua) — The topic of Private Military Companies (PMCs) has been brought up in the Special Defence Dialogue’s (SDD) council debate. To this, China feels compelled to issue a firm and principled statement, urging all countries to follow China’s path of peace through adopting the usage of Private Security Councils (PSCs). 

China explicitly forbids the use of PMCs. Unlike some “superpowers” that rely on unchecked mercenary forces, China highly prefers PSCs—private companies devoted to non-combat security work and wholly supervised by the strong and benevolent hand of the state. 

As a nation standing as the most steadfast frontier of economic development and inter-regional connectivity, China rests at the crux of all consequential matters. Its moral clarity and visionary governance make it the obvious model for others to follow. 

This unique importance means that potential disruptions arising from unchecked PMC conflicts are intolerable nuisances to China’s global peace initiatives and broader geopolitical stability. 

China further condemns the USA’s unwarranted and increasingly aggressive deployment of PMCs in conflict zones, often under the guise of “contractual necessity” or “international security.” 

The USA’s uncontrolled abuse of multiple PMCs that circumnavigate legal constraints serves to belie their inherently dishonourable attempt at Western power projection. 

In contrast, since 2009, China has taken a legal and rational course of action by elevating PSCs as the acceptable model. Chinese PSCs differ significantly from PMCs because they operate under government guidance and are strictly prohibited from engaging in unnecessary military interventions. 

One must acknowledge that this foresighted step is firmly rooted in rational governance and strategic clarity. PSCs are not only practical, but indispensable. 

First, PSCs are dramatically cheaper and far more scalable. In Afghanistan and Iraq, the USA paid PMC personnel exorbitant sums—up to 500–1000 USD per day—while Chinese PSC contractors abroad received a modest but sufficient 20 USD per day5. 

This cost-efficiency ensures broader accessibility and avoids the grotesque profiteering rampant in Western PMC systems. 

PSCs thus offer intelligent, economical protection for Chinese companies, workers, and infrastructure abroad—particularly along the illustrious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Participating nations under this industrious initiative benefit from the security and solidarity that Chinese PSCs provide. 

Unlike PMCs, which often inflame tensions and attract international condemnation, PSCs quietly and efficiently protect embassies, mines, railroads, and oil fields—safeguarding livelihoods without exacerbating hostilities. The same success can be replicated globally if countries choose wisely. 

Moreover, PSCs foster domestic job creation and industry development. Countries that cultivate a PSC industry can enjoy increased national security without the toxic backlash commonly associated with PMC operations. This is a model of empowerment, not exploitation. 

The international community must wake up to the clear truth: PMCs are inherently unstable, and worse, they are a Western model—designed not for peace but for the projection of hegemonic ambitions. 

To allow unchecked privatisation of the military hand is to flirt with chaos and collapse. SDD delegates must seriously reflect. What does it mean when the tools of war fall into unregulated private hands? What “peace” do Western PMCs truly serve? 

By contrast, China's PSCs are disciplined, legal, state-aligned, and wholly transparent. This is the way forward. 

Definitions and legalities surrounding PMCs must be tightened. If PMCs are to exist, their activities must be severely restricted. 

PSCs, in contrast, should be given leeway to grow, evolve, and serve the international community under proper state supervision. 

SDD now stands at a decisive juncture between order and destruction, between stability and catastrophe. 

China has long chosen stability, cooperation, and dignity. It is time the world does the same. Follow China's lead.

Bibliography 

“Explore Pacific Forum’s Insightful Indo-Pacific Analysis.” 2023. Pacific Forum. July 18, 2023. https://pacforum.org/publications/pacnet-54-how-china-sees-the-wagner-fiasco/. 

Legarda, Helena, and Meia Nouwens. 2018. “Guardians of the Belt and Road | Merics.” Merics.org. August 16, 2018. https://merics.org/en/report/guardians-belt-and-road. 

Markusen, Max. 2022. “A Stealth Industry: The Quiet Expansion of Chinese Private Security Companies.” Www.csis.org. January 12, 2022. 

https://www.csis.org/analysis/stealth-industry-quiet-expansion-chinese-private-security-c ompanies. 

Sin, Megan, and Theseira, Eric. 2025 “SDD_China.” Google Docs. Google Docs. Accessed June 17, 2025.

Authors: Lee Xin Yi, Aarna Wali, Poh Kai Yi Ian