CRI听力: China Epected to Get More Involved in Peacekeeping Missions Abroad

China will continue its steadfast support to UN peacekeeping operations and is expected to become more involved in peacekeeping missions abroad at the UN's request. Wang Ling has more.

Reporter:
China has sent more than 14,000 peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations in the last 20 years. Around 2,000 Chinese are currently deployed.

Kui Yanwei is the deputy director for Peacekeeping Affairs at the National Defense Ministry. He says China may consider stepping up its participation in response to more calls from the international community.　(WWw.hxen.net)
　
"If the United Nations invites us, we will take into consideration the requirements, the reaction of the people, and the situation of our troops before making a decision. If we get an invitation, we will make suggestions to the government and military."

Kui says China's peacekeeping training center will also cooperate with other foreign troops in peacekeeping missions.

"We do have such plans. The training center is set up to provide training internally and externally, and maintain cooperation with foreign troops in peacekeeping missions, education and research."
Alain Le Roy, UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, says the number of Chinese peacekeepers abroad could grow.

"Are they considering an increase? The answer is 'yes.' They have told me at the highest level that they have considered continuing what they have done these last years, to steadily increase their participation. The final decisions have not been made, but they are clearly considering increasing their participation."

Le Roy says China is the top troop contributor among the five permanent members of the Security Council and the seventh largest financial contributor to operations.

Analysts believe China's engagement in peacekeeping and conflict resolution can help build a positive image abroad and reassure the global community about its peaceful intentions.

Wang Ling CRI news.