Interview: UN lauds China's 1st peacekeeping infantry battalion in S. Sudan

A senior United Nations (UN) official has lauded China's first peacekeeping infantry battalion in South Sudan for their professionalism and hard work in safeguarding peace and stability in the world's youngest nation.

"We are extremely happy here in South Sudan that we have the first Chinese infantry battalion in peacekeeping. They have been very hard-working," Ellen Loej, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General and head of UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The Chinese battalion, which consists of three infantry companies and one supply company, has 700 peacekeepers. They have been tasked with protecting civilians as well as UN personnel and facilities. They have also participated in humanitarian relief and street patrolling since their deployment this April.

The UN official, citing the quick reaction force with the Chinese battalion, said she is impressed by the Chinese peacekeepers' professionalism.

"When we have disturbances or unrest in protection of the civilians site, they (Chinese peacekeepers) have showed very quick reaction that I appreciate very much," said Loej.

"We have also, for instance, some disturbances in front of the gate, entrance to UN House, and the Chinese battalion was called in to assist and calmed the situation down," she added.

Founded in 2011, South Sudan fell into a 20-month long conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of coup attempt. Although a peace deal by the warring factions was signed in August, security situation in the country is still worrying.

"We have serious challenges in South Sudan, so we need troops that are willing and are able to move around, trying to lessen the disturbances here," said Loej. "We have been very happy and satisfied with the Chinese battalion."

Of the 700 Chinese peacekeepers, there is also a squad of 13 women soldiers. Loej said these women, though small in number, have been working very hard side by side with their male colleagues.

She also called for nations to contribute more women in peacekeeping mission to "go out patrol, to move around, and to show the South Sudanese that peace and stability is not only for men, but also for women."

This year marks the 25th year of China's participation in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Statistics show that China has so far sent some 30,000 peacekeepers worldwide. And in South Sudan, China also has an engineering company as well as a medical team, which, together with the battalion, contribute a total of 1,031 peacekeepers in the East African nation.

Loej said China has actively participated in UN peacekeeping, and has also, over the past two and half decades, increased its contribution. She also welcomes China's pledge to set up an 8,000-personnel peacekeeping standby force and provide 100 million U.S. dollars in military aid to the African Union (AU).

The UN official noted that many African countries are willing to contribute to UN peacekeeping, but sometimes they do not have the right equipment or they can not afford to buy due to financial reasons. Also some might not have sufficient training in the challenges facing in various peacekeeping missions today.

"We are very happy with China's increasing contribution to UN peacekeeping; China's pledge to support AU to develop and increase their capability is highly welcomed," she said. Endit