Chinese peacekeeping troops set off to Liberia

China sent its 16th contingent of peacekeeping soldiers to Liberia on Wednesday night for a United Nations mission.

The first detachment of the 558-strong troops dispatched by the Beijing Military Area Command took off from Beijing Capital International Airport. The second batch is expected to set off on March 29, according to the command.

The eight-month mission will consist of transportation, engineering and medical service.

China sent its first peacekeeping troops to Liberia in December 2003.