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Safeguarding World Peace
The world cannot achieve peace and development without China, and the Chinese army, as it strengthens, is assuming responsibilities to safeguard world peace. Last year, the Chinese army was deployed abroad to assist countries that were plagued by war and disease, and to help vessels threatened by pirates, and many other people in need.
In 2014, the Ebola virus broke out in west Africa, killing 7,000 people, and began spreading to other parts of the world. In a decisive move, the Chinese army went to the frontline. In November, an Ebola center built with Chinese aid opened, and the PLA has sent almost 500 medical workers in three groups to work there. Suspected Ebola patients are kept in the center for observation, while confirmed Ebola patients are treated. The center has also trained medical workers and epidemic prevention personnel for Liberia.
The Chinese army’s speedy and timely reaction as well as its selfless contribution to the fight against Ebola has been a bright spot in this campaign.
In December, the first Chinese peacekeeping battalion was sworn in prior to departing to South Sudan. They were the first Chinese combat troops to take part in a United Nations peacekeeping operation. Currently, China has 2,000 peacekeeping military personnel in nine UN task areas. They have won a high praise from the United Nations and the governments involved.
Although China is a relative newcomer to UN peacekeeping operations, it is the biggest contributor of peacekeeping forces among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. To date, the Chinese army has deployed more than 27,000 personnel in 24 UN peacekeeping actions, contributing to the peaceful resolution of disputes and safeguarding regional security in a practical way. Some of them have sacrificed their lives.
In December, the 19th Chinese navy fleet left to carry out escort operations in the Gulf of Aden. In 2014, Chinese vessels launched a number of rescue operations and drove away suspected pirate boats. As of the end of 2014, the Chinese navy had escorted almost 6,000 Chinese and foreign merchant vessels, with a 100-percent success record.
Whether it is joining the search for the missing MH370 airliner or dispatching warships and aircraft to help the Maldives with its water shortage, China has broadened its exchanges and cooperation with foreign forces, while the PLA is more willing to show its “soft power.” It has demonstrated China’s image as a responsible big power and enhanced its international influence.
