China continues to expand UN peacekeeping efforts around the world

　　Tests conducted from Sept. 19 to 21 at the China Peacekeeping Police Training Center. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

China is now the largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping among UN Security Council members, involved with 10 of the current 16 peacekeeping operations led by UN's department of peacekeeping operations, with over 2,600 Chinese soldiers taking part.

Many of these missions have taken place in Africa, where it has been reported that a senior PLA official has promised to increase support in Africa last month, according to CCTV.

Senior Colonel Zhou Zhe, deputy director of the peacekeeping center headquarters in Beijing is quoted by New Vision as saying, "China, as a major power, is committed to global stability through peacekeeping efforts, together with our partners."

Now, a total of 160 Chinese police have passed a UN selection and assessment process with good grades, and now expect to become part of the UN rapid deployment force, said the Ministry of Public Security on Thursday.

Pictured are the round of testing conducted from Sept. 19 to 21 at the China Peacekeeping Police Training Center, where UN officials tested the 160 new peacekeeping candidates on their language abilities, driving skills and use of weapons. They carried out interviews and assessed test scores on strategic subjects.

This all fits into a plan to overhaul the peacekeeping department focusing on what's being called the three P's-Planning, Pledges and Performance, says CCTV.

President Xi Jinping pledged 8,000 troops for UN peacekeeping last year around this time, with Premier Li Keqiang urging nations to make a concerted effort toward both short-term and long-term sustainable development goals in his speech UN General Assembly on Wednesday, further pledging $300 million in additional aid to the UN.