China has always been a staunch supporter of and an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions. In 1990, when China first joined operations, five military observers were sent to the Middle East. 27 years later, China is now the largest contributor of peacekeepers. 2,500 Chinese blue helmets are in active service in 9 UN peacekeeping operations across the globe, with another 8 thousand troops on standby. Besides manpower, China is also the second largest financial provider to peacekeeping costs. China now contributes more than 10 percent of the total amount, next to the 28 percent by the United States which has 74 peacekeepers.