By Chen Kaikai and Yu Donghai
JUBA, Nov. 9 -- On the morning of November 7, local time, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) awarded the UN Peace Medals of Honor to all the officers and soldiers of the 6th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to South Sudan (Juba), in recognition of their contribution to the cause of peace in South Sudan.
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Hua Ning, Deputy Special Representative for South Sudan and Deputy Head of the UNMISS Cong Guang, UNMISS deputy force commander Major General Zhang Yijun, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Juba Feng Bo, and Sector West Commander for the UNMISS Brigadier General Wang Chuanjing, awarded the medals to the representatives of the Chinese peacekeepers.
Maj. Gen. Zhang Yijun issued a special certificate to the commander of the battalion and spoke highly of the outstanding performance of China's sixth batch of a peacekeeping infantry battalion in the past year. “In face of danger, the Chinese peacekeepers were always fearless and ready to dedicate themselves. As one of the most disciplined, well-trained, and most professional troops of the UN mission forces, they proved themselves to be a model of UNMISS,” said Zhang.
"Although our mission is coming to an end, the mission of safeguarding world peace is always ongoing. We will cherish our honor, never forget our original aspirations, and continue to stick to our posts to mark a successful conclusion of the mission with the highest standards," responded Han Tao, commander of the battalion.
The 6th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to South Sudan was deployed to the mission area in last December. So far, the battalion has performed eight short-distance patrols, 12 armed escorts, and 73 urban patrols. The patrol in the weapons restricted area has reached more than 8,700 hours and the patrol mileage more than 100,000 kilometers. They have also handled 284 times of emergencies.
In addition, the infantry battalion carried out more than 20 humanitarian relief activities such as free medical consultations and condolences and donations. They have won high praise from the UNMISS friendly forces and local people. It is reported that the rotation will begin in early December.