HARBIN, Jan. 15 -- A second batch of 245 Chinese officers and soldiers departed on Wednesday from northeast China's Harbin City for Mali in a peacekeeping mission.

In December, China sent the first batch of 135 peacekeepers comprising soldiers, security guards and medical personnel to Mali.

The peacekeepers will stay in Mali for eight months, according to commander Zhang Geqiang, adding that they will all complete the mission with high standards and contribute to Mali's peace process and economic rebuilding.

China has also sent peacekeeping troops to Liberia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Lebanon.