UN peacekeeping missions are important means to advance int'l peace and security: Chinese FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- UN peacekeeping missions are important means to advance international peace and security, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at the daily press conference held in Beijing on Tuesday.

May 29, 2023 was the 21st International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Mao said over the past seven decades or so, the UN has conducted over 70 missions, rallying more than one million peacekeepers under the UN flag and making outstanding contributions to safeguarding and restoring regional peace and assisting in the resolution of regional conflicts. The Blue Helmets have become a symbol of peace and hope, winning wide acclaim from the international community, she added.

She noticed that China is the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping assessments and the largest troop contributor to peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the Security Council.

In 1990, China sent military observers to the UN, which marked the beginning of its participation in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs). In 1992, China dispatched its first formed military unit of Blue Helmets to participate in UNPKOs. Over the past three decades, China has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to participate in UNPKOs in more than 20 countries and regions. A total of 27 Chinese peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice.

More than 2,200 Chinese officers are working in eight peacekeeping mission areas. Chinese Blue Helmets have become a vital force in the UN’s peacekeeping efforts, the spokesperson said, adding that Chinese peacekeepers adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, act in strict accordance with their mandate, and faithfully fulfill peacekeeping missions, making important contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Mao pointed out that against complex and severe international security situations, the role and significance of UNPKOs have become more prominent.

She said China will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community to increase the efficacy and efficiency of UNPKOs so that they can play a bigger role in safeguarding international peace and security.