China blue helmets: Guardians of peace

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-13-2008 15:29

The past twenty years have seen China's growing role in international peacekeeping missions. It's now the biggest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Today, in our special series to mark the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, Wang Mangmang finds out what the peace efforts mean to China and the world.

For these guardians of peace, it carries obligation,  honor, as well as risks. For those being protected, it means security and hope.

For these guardians of peace, it carries obligation, honor, as well as risks. For those being protected, it means security and hope.

China's international peace missions started in the 1990's, when it sent its first military observers to the Middle East. Since then, the country has become increasingly involved in UN peace operations. And the size of Chinese peace contingents has grown.

China's international peace missions started in the  1990's, when it sent its first military observers to  the Middle East.

Over the past two decades, more than ten thousand personnel have served their duty. Over two thousand are currently operating in eleven assigned areas, including Haiti, Sudan's Darfur, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And more are being trained.

Jean-Marie guehenno, under sec-gen, UN peacekeeping operations, said, "It's a very important signal China has sent to the world responsible member the UN Security Council."

The road to peace, however, is never easy. UN peacekeepers are often exposed to hazards including epidemics from poor sanitary conditions, social instability, and rampant crime.

Eight Chinese soldiers have died martyrs during their missions.