China to dispatch first peacekeeping helicopter unit

BEIJING - The Chinese military on Monday started shipping materials for its first peacekeeping helicopter unit, departing from Tianjin Port, northern China. 
    

The materials will arrive at Port Sudan in mid-November and arrive in mid-January 2017 at El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State, Sudan. 

The unit, consisting of 140 soldiers and four helicopters, will be deployed for UN missions in South Sudan, including transporting troops, evacuating people following rescue and air logistics supply. 

According to the Peacekeeping Office of the Ministry of National Defense, the unit has completed training and the refitting of equipment on helicopters and vehicles. The Chinese military will also plan and prepare for future work. 

Dispatching the helicopter unit reflects China's firm will to support UN peacekeeping missions, said an official from the peacekeeping office.