UN Official:China Playing Bigger Role in UN Peace Keeping Mission

A senior United Nations official says China is playing a bigger role in UN peacekeeping missions than ever before, and the UN needs China's support as the organization works to reform its peacekeeping operations.

Liu Yan has more.

Reporter:

Alain Le Roy, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, spoke highly of China's role in UN peacekeeping missions during his visit to Beijing for a symposium on reforming the UN peacekeeping system.

"Chinese participation in UN peacekeeping mission has steadily increased. And now China is the first troop contributor among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. All the soldiers, policemen and civilians coming from China in our peacekeeping mission are extremely well trained, well-disciplined, and are able to live in very hard conditions, and very professional."

He added that the UN is now working to reform its peacekeeping operations so as to adapt to the changing circumstances.

"We have much more complex and diverse tasks. These include, for example, assistant to election, disbarment of rebel's groups and armed groups, protection of civilians, and institutional building."

Le Roy said UN peacekeeping reform needs China's support, as the country has been involved in missions for 19 years.

"We would like China to continue its constructive attitude towards peace keeping by increasing steadily, firmly and continuously participation. And of course we have also asked them to help us fill the gaps because we have some gaps in the equipment of our peacekeeping operation. Of course air asset is an important gap including helicopters."

Le Roy said China currently provides more than 2,000 of the UN's 115,000 peacekeepers deployed on 15 operations, putting it 14th on the list of contributing nations.

These peacekeepers provide engineering, transportation, medical and other logistical services in countries like Sudan, Haiti and Liberia.

Liu Yan, CRI News.