By Wang Shuai, Yang Shiwei, Zhou Fei, Wang Liguo and Jin Lekang

JUBA, Sept. 18 -- On September 16, the 12th Chinese Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) passed the UN combat readiness assessment for the second half of the year, with its overall score ranking among the highest of all contingents from troop-contributing countries in the mission area.

The combat readiness assessment is a key mechanism for evaluating peacekeeping forces' ability to perform mandated tasks, respond to emergencies and maintain combat readiness. Conducted every six months, it covers more than 300 items in 11 categories, including operational command, intelligence analysis and assessment, civil-military coordination and logistics support.

During the assessment, the evaluation team inspected facilities including duty posts and the kitchen area of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion, focusing on the battalion's readiness procedures and mission support, and observed live-troop drills involving camp defense and casualty evacuation. The evaluation team spoke highly of the Chinese peacekeepers' professional competence, strict discipline and exemplary conduct.