A peacekeeper adjusts the Chinese flag attached to another peacekeeper's military backpack as they get ready to board the plane, May 22, 2019. [Photo by Sun Shuai for chinadaily.com.cn]

China's 18th Group of the People's Liberation Army assigned to Lebanon as peacekeepers departed from Kunming, capital city of Southwest China's Yunnan province, on Wednesday morning. The team of 200, including 85 multi-function engineers, 100 construction engineers and 15 medical workers, arrived first in southern Lebanon, to be followed by another 210 soldiers and officers departing on Monday. In the following 12 months, the peacekeepers will be tasked with mine clearance, engineering, setting the United Nations Blue Line and humanitarian rescue. 

Before departure, all team members received high-intensity physical and mental training, said Gao Chaoning, head of the contingent. They will participate in the mission as representatives of Chinese soldiers, he said. Since the first troops deployed in Lebanon in 2006, Chinese peacekeepers have been greatly praised all over the world for their professional qualities, positive attitude and devotion. All members who participated in the mission were awarded the UN Peace Medal for their outstanding contributions.