By Zhang Xin, Li Xiangyun and Li Ziyang

JUBA, Oct. 23 -- 700 peacekeepers of the 11th Chinese Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion to UNMISS were recently awarded the UN Peace Medal of Honor in recognition of their outstanding contributions to South Sudan's peace and stability.

At the awarding ceremony, representatives of senior UNMISS officials and the Chinese Ambassador and Military Attaché to South Sudan presented the UN Peace Medal of Honor to the representatives of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion, and declared and granted the certificate of merit.

UNMISS SJUBA Commander Brig. Gen. Muhammad Iqbal Hossain said: "To talk about Chinbatt, so far (what) I have seen is a very professional, well-trained and well-organized contingent, and their contribution to the peace and stability in South Sudan is remarkable. I can tell this much, out of three contingents in the sector, one of the best contingents to my assessment. They are creating a platform in South Sudan. I'm sure his successor will just replace them; they will also continue like that. I'm really happy and fully contented to get such a professional contingent in UNMISS, and really proud of them."

Since its deployment to the mission area in December last year, the 11th Chinese Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion, within the command framework of the UNMISS, has completed 308 days of guard duties and 586 authorized tasks including armed escorts, city patrols, and long and short-distance patrols. In addition, the Chinese peacekeepers actively conducted free clinics, donations, water supply, planting techniques instruction and other humanitarian assistance activities.