When Lebanese ophthalmologist Elias Fares Jarade fell ill during a routine checkup, an unexpected remedy arrived through China's peacekeeping medical contingent in Lebanon. A physician from the team treated his condition using traditional Chinese acupuncture—a technique Jarade had never experienced before. 'It wasn’t just about the treatment,' Jarade recalls. 'We shared stories about our cultures, our families, and our hopes for peace here.'
This interaction reflects the broader role of China's UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, where medical teams have provided over 10,000 treatments since their deployment. Beyond emergency care, their work includes cultural exchanges and infrastructure support, fostering trust in conflict-affected communities. Analysts note such 'medical diplomacy' strengthens China's soft power while addressing critical health gaps in crisis zones—a model gaining attention from other Asia-Pacific nations engaged in global peacekeeping efforts.
