UN peacekeeping principles must be upheld as fundamental guidelines: Chinese envoy

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Monday said the three principles of UN peacekeeping must always be upheld as fundamental guidelines.

Peacekeeping operations and special political missions are important tools for the Security Council to maintain international peace and security. As the international and regional security landscapes undergo profound changes, peacekeeping operations are facing new challenges and circumstances, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations at the UN Security Council high-level open debate on advancing adaptability in United Nations peace operations. "The three principles of peacekeeping should always be upheld as the fundamental guidelines. Consent of the parties, impartiality and non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate are derived from the UN's long-standing practice and must always be the guiding principles. Any deviation from these principles may lead to unforeseen and complex consequences contrary to the purpose of peacekeeping," he said.

Fu stressed the peacekeeping operations and special political mission should maintain constructive communication with the host country and uphold mutual trust. He said the peacekeeping operations with relevant mandates should help strengthen host country's capacity for independent development, improve governance and achieve sustainable development while respecting the host country's leadership.

Regardless of how mandates are adjusted, peacekeeping operations must be focused on the core mandate, and guard against the phenomenon where mandate renewals lead to disorderly expansion, said the Chinese envoy.

He pointed out that continued efforts must be made to improve the overall performance of peacekeeping operations and to leverage the unique role of local organizations in addressing regional issues.

China, as the second largest financial contributor and a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, has dispatched a total of over 50,000 peacekeepers to date, said Fu, adding that the country will continue to be a firm supporter of peacekeeping missions, making greater contributions to global peace.

UN peacekeeping principles must be upheld as fundamental guidelines: Chinese envoy

A Chinese medical team left China on Saturday heading for Ethiopia, where they will offer technological assistance and support to talent development in the country's healthcare sector over the next 12 months.

The 14-member team includes experts in clinical medicine, medical technology, hospital administration, and logistical support.

Mainly selected from the First Hospital Affiliated to the Army Medical University (AMU) in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the team members possess extensive experience in medical practice and management.

During the mission, the experts will help the country's military hospitals to enhance medical service capacity, promote the application of new technologies, strengthen hospital operations, train professional personnel, and support the establishment of healthcare management systems, thereby contributing to the improvement of local medical services.

"I feel deeply honored by this mission, and I'm fully aware of the responsibility it carries. We are committed to carrying forward the spirit of China's overseas medical teams, which features tenacity, dedication, commitment to saving lives, and love that knows no borders, and will apply our skills for the benefit of the Ethiopian military and civilians," said team member Guo Hao from the AMU.

Since 2015, the AMU hospital has dispatched 11 batches totaling more than 100 medical experts to Ethiopia.

Their efforts gave strong support to achieving notable progress in medical facility construction, and technological and talent development in the country's healthcare sector.

China sends 11th group of medical experts to Ethiopia