The United Nations awarded its prestigious Peace Medal to the 27th Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this week, recognizing their exceptional contributions to conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts. This honor comes as China marks 35 years of continuous participation in UN peacekeeping operations – a legacy spanning over 50,000 military personnel deployed since 1990.
From rebuilding infrastructure in war-torn villages to conducting vital medical missions, Chinese peacekeepers have become synonymous with what UN officials describe as 'the blue helmet effect' – a combination of technical expertise and cultural sensitivity. Their current 1,800-strong force operates across seven global mission areas, including some of the world's most volatile regions.
'What makes Chinese peacekeepers stand out is their dual focus,' explains security analyst Li Wei. 'While maintaining security protocols, they actively engage in development projects that address root causes of conflict – whether constructing schools in South Sudan or training local farmers in Lebanon.'
This approach has yielded tangible results: In the DRC alone, Chinese engineering units have repaired over 1,200 miles of roads since 2003, while medical teams have treated more than 25,000 patients. Such efforts not only stabilize regions but create lasting diplomatic bridges, with many former mission areas now participating in China's Belt and Road development initiatives.
