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Chinese peacekeepers bring honor to China

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-18-2007 08:46

Special Report:   Chinese "blue berets"

It's been three years since China dispatched its first team of police peacekeepers to the United Nations, and seven years since it first joined a UN peacekeeping mission.

The troops have helped maintain law and order in their assigned regions, and enhanced China's image in the international community.

October seventeenth, 2004. China sent its first contingent of riot police to join the UN mission in Haiti. Now three years have passed, and more than 600 peacekeepers have served their duty. China is now the second largest contributor of police to UN peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the Security Council.

To acknowledge their achievements, the Ministry of Public Security held a grand celebration at the Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Academy.

Meng Hongwei, Vice Minister of Ministry of Public Security,said, "These profound achievements are a result of socialist China's strong power. They show that China's position in the international community is rising. And they prove our diplomatic policy is correct. But in the end, they are due to the efforts by every one of our peacekeepers."

As well as safeguarding law and order, UN peacekeeping police have the responsibility to rebuild the local legal system and assist in law enforcement. They also help protect civilian rights and assist humanitarian relief efforts.

Chen Dingwu, Political Commissar of The 4th Anti-riot Troop to UN,said, "Chinese police in Haiti have taken on the most important and most arduous missions, such as patrolling in the most dangerous areas. But we have made every effort to achieve peace in Haiti. And we're happy that our foreign counterparts respect and acknowledge our work."

The fifth anti-riot troop is currently on duty and will return to China in December. The next contingent is being trained, ready for its assignment.

The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Academy is the largest military school in Asia. All Chinese peacekeepers to the UN go through extensive training here before taking on their international missions. While serving under the UN flag, Chinese peacekeepers' performances overseas have brought honor to their own country.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning