China supports UN peacekeeping mission extension in Mali

China supports an extension of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Thursday.

She told a daily press briefing, "The Chinese side supports the extension of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)."

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday to renew the mandate of the mission for one year.

Hua said China supports the mission to continue to play a role in maintaining peace and stability, pushing forward the political process and national reconciliation in Mali.

She said China has dispatched a 395-member peace-keeping force in the MINUSMA, including 170 guard, 155 engineer and 70 medical troops.

"They (the Chinese peacekeepers) have won unanimous praise from the United Nations and the Malian government for a strict and earnest performance in their mission zone," Hua said.

She said as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always insisted on properly resolving regional issues through peaceful means, actively participated in UN peacekeeping missions and supported the maintenance of peace and stability in Africa.

Since its deployment in April, the MINUSMA has played an important role in maintaining security and stability in Mali, Hua said.

But she warned, "Security in Mali is still fragile."

The security situation in northern Mali has deteriorated since the beginning of 2014 as Tuareg independence movements and the Malian government have seen little progress in implementing a truce agreement. There have also been a rising number of attacks on international security forces. UN Security Council members on Wednesday urged MINUSMA to expand its presence "in the north of Mali beyond key populations centers," notably in areas where civilians are at risk.