Zhang Zhikang, Yang Biao and Deng Yifan

Chinese peacekeeping troops gather for pre-mission briefings alongside other foreign peacekeeping contingents before a joint armed escort mission in Abyei. (Photo by Tan Chaobo, Gu Chong and Zhang Xuhao)

BEIJING, June 8 -- The 3rd Chinese Peacekeeping Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) successfully completed a joint armed escort mission, marking the Chinese contingent's first armed escort task since its deployment to the mission area.

The Abyei area is a disputed territory on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, where skirmishes and exchanges of fire occur from time to time. This escort mission was jointly conducted by the Chinese peacekeeping QRF and other foreign peacekeeping forces, with the simultaneous participation of UN military observers. The mission effectively validated the outcomes of the Chinese contingent's pre-deployment training, and enhanced its capabilities in mission execution and emergency response.

Chinese peacekeeping troops and their counterparts from other nations conduct a joint armed escort mission in Abyei. (Photo by Tan Chaobo, Gu Chong and Zhang Xuhao)