China says its UN peacekeeping efforts reflects global responsibility

China embarks on missions for peace and undertakes responsibility for the world, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Earlier this month, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Major General Wu Junhui of China as Force Commander of the United Nations (UN) Mission in South Sudan.

Jiang said China has been actively engaged in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs) since 1990, taken part in 26 peacekeeping missions, and sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions.

Seventeen Chinese service members have lost their lives in the line of duty, he added.

According to Jiang, more than 1,600 Chinese peacekeepers are currently serving in missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, Abyei and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Their responsibilities include stabilizing situations, conducting de-mining and explosive ordnance disposal, protecting civilians, and carrying out medical rescue operations.

Jiang described Chinese peacekeepers as professional, efficient, well-trained, and disciplined, noting that more Chinese peacekeeping professionals are being entrusted with key roles by the UN and are widely acclaimed by UN officials, mission commanders, foreign counterparts, and host countries.

China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is the largest troop contributor among its permanent members and the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping.

Jiang emphasized that China will remain unwavering in supporting the UN's core position and its critical role in international peace and security, and will continue to increase investment in UNPKOs.

He added that China will deepen peacekeeping cooperation with other nations to help promote global peace.