26 May 2015 – The first ever Chinese Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion to be deployed in a peacekeeping mission inaugurated its headquarters today at the UNMISS UN House compound in Juba.

The battalion arrived to South Sudan in January as part of the surge force of 12,599 authorized by the UN Security Council on 24 December 2013 to assist the mission in carrying out its new mandate. The 700 men and women will join the 350 Chinese engineers, medical and other non-combatant personnel already serving in the mission.

The battalion headquarters’ gates were opened by the resident Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, as he beat a traditional Chinese drum. He paid tribute to peacekeepers in South Sudan and said the inauguration showed China’s commitment to peace in South Sudan.

Ellen Margrethe Loej, UNMISS Special Representative of the Secretary-General, also attended the ceremony and inspected the troops. She said the ceremony showed that in South Sudan China had spared no effort in contributing to peace and security.

“I am pleased to note that the first ever Chinese Infantry battalion in the history of UN Peacekeeping, which is 700 men and women strong, was deployed to South Sudan and part of them are standing in front of us. No doubt in recognition of the very big challenges faced by this country,” Ms. Loej said.

With over 130,000 internally displaced persons occupying UNMISS premises throughout the country, this new addition to UNMISS’ force will be engaged primarily to protect civilians living in or near the mission’s UN House property. They will carry out patrols in and around the capital Juba and assist in escorting humanitarian relief supplies and guarding of UN assets.

The Chinese Battalion is under the command of Colonel Wang Zhen. UNMISS Sector South Commander Senior Colonel Ning Ma is the Commanding Officer of all the troops that fall under the Sector South area, including the new Chinese Battalion. He expressed his pleasure of the arrival of the battalion to supplement the force.

The Chinese Battalion has not started its operations yet but will within coming days. They are expected to extend the reach of the mission and its effectiveness in carrying out its mandate.