Chinese peacekeeping helicopters complete UN transport mission
By Li Yingyan from People’s Daily
China’s first peacekeeping helicopter detachment concluded the transport of soldiers and cargos of the Senegalese peacekeeping infantry battalion affiliated to the Sector North of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on March 4.
It is reported that the Chinese helicopters, to conduct the mission for troop rotation, shall fly over the rebel-controlled areas in South Sudan, where UN peacekeeping helicopters were once attacked. The Chinese helicopters of the detachment flew nearly 150 hours, transporting about 40 tons of cargos and 800 Senegalese peacekeepers in total.
China has grown into the largest source of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget since joining UN peacekeeping operations in 1990.
Helicopters usually play a significant role in various peacekeeping operations because of its quick transit of personnel at lower risks than conventional transport vehicles.
A helicopter of China’s first peacekeeping helicopter detachment. (Photo from the PLA’s official website, 81.cn)
A pilot of the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter detachment is in peacekeeping operation. (Photo by the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter detachment)
A Chinese peacekeeper is in peacekeeping operation. (Photo by the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter detachment)
China’s first peacekeeping helicopter detachment holds oath-taking rally. (Photo from the PLA’s official website, 81.cn)
The Chinese peacekeepers prepare for the flight. (Photo by the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter detachment)
A helicopter of China’s first peacekeeping helicopter detachment arrives in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. (By Li Yida from People’s Daily)
