China's STAR Composite Index closes lower Monday

The STAR Composite Index, which reflects the performance of stocks on China's sci-tech innovation board, closed 4.31 percent lower at 1,836.09 points on Monday.

The STAR 50 Index, which tracks the 50 largest stocks listed on the board that also meet certain liquidity requirements, closed 4.06 percent lower at 1,555.98 points.

The sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR Market, was inaugurated in June 2019 at Shanghai Stock Exchange. It is designed to support companies in the high-tech and strategic emerging sectors.

Chinese peacekeepers in Abyei, a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan under United Nations protection, on Sunday successfully completed a key airlift mission supporting the rotation of a Vietnamese engineering company of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

After three days of non-stop operations, the 6th Chinese helicopter contingent to Abyei flew 20 sorties totaling 25 flight hours and more than 4,200 kilometers, safely transporting 220 Vietnamese peacekeepers and 4.3 tons of cargo and equipment for the rotation of UNISFA's Vietnamese engineering company.

Abyei's complex, rapidly changing weather posed major challenges to formation flying, cargo transfer, and precision landings. The contingent's command team coordinated the mission systematically, monitoring weather changes in real time and dynamically assessing airspace conditions.

Flight crews flexibly adjusted flight routes and operational plans, precisely avoiding hazardous weather areas and refining takeoff, cruise and landing procedures. They also carried out meticulous aircraft maintenance, ground support and security measures, ensuring the successful completion of the rotation transport mission.

Since its deployment, the 6th Chinese helicopter contingent to Abyei has routinely undertaken diversified missions, including troop rotation, cargo delivery, aerial reconnaissance and emergency rescue.