China finishes registration of 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force at UN

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The registration of an 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force at the United Nations (UN) has been finalized, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense Wu Qian announced on Thursday during the ministry's monthly press conference.

Wu said building a peacekeeping standby force is not only an important step to implement the commitment President Xi Jinping made at the UN Peacekeeping Summit, but also a concrete action in supporting the UN and its peacekeeping missions.

China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian answers questions during a regular monthly press conference, on September 28, 2017 in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

The standby force includes six infantry battalion, three engineering companies, three transportation companies, four level-two hospitals (with bed capacity between 100 and 500), two transport aircraft contingents, and one service ship contingent among other. The force will have in total 28 professional contingents in 10 categories.

The peacekeeping standby force will conduct tasks and specifically-adapted training in accordance with the UN standards.

In response to the UN's invitation to send the force overseas, the standby force will turn itself into peacekeeping units at an appropriate time for peacekeeping missions abroad.

When they are standing by at home, they will shoulder regular tasks of combat readiness training, and emergency rescue and disaster relief, among others.

The media at China's Ministry of National Defense's regular monthly press conference, on September 28, 2017 in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Wu said building the standby force proves that China as a major country in the world is now taking more international responsibility and fulfilling more obligations.

China's peacekeeping standby force will keep playing a constructive role in maintaining world peace and regional stability.