Chinese peacekeepers leave for DR Congo

The first group of the fifteenth Chinese peacekeeping force has left for the Democratic Republic of Congo for an eight-month UN-mandated mission.

The group consists of eighty Chinese peacekeepers who will be responsible for constructing and repairing roads, bridges and local airports. Another twenty will provide medication for needy local residents. The peacekeepers, most from China's Lanzhou Military Command, have been through a strict selection and training process. Another 113 peacekeepers will join them on December 5th to complete the fifteenth peacekeeping force.