By Li Xiaofeng and Xiao Liming
BEIJING, July 8 -- The UN peacekeeping explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) international training program, jointly organized by the Peacekeeping Affairs Center of China's Ministry of National Defense and the Chinese PLA Army Engineering University, officially began on Monday in Xuzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Nearly 20 engineering officers from the armies and air forces of eight countries are participating in the 12-day training program. Instructors of the training include experts from the UN Department of Peace Operations and Chinese specialists. It is the first time that China has organized an international training program specifically for peacekeeping EOD commanders.
This training fulfills a commitment made by China at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 held in May this year. It is also a concrete step by the Chinese military to implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI), promote international military exchanges in the field of explosive ordnance search and disposal, effectively respond to post-conflict explosive threats, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The training is conducted at the training base of the Chinese PLA Army Engineering University. Featuring the application of advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in explosive ordnance search and disposal, the training includes theoretical courses on the detection of typical landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and operational standards and case studies related to explosive ordnance search and disposal in peacekeeping mission areas, as well as practical courses on operating multi-functional unmanned mine-clearing vehicles and AI-assisted IED dismantling.