Sino-Mongolian peacekeeping drill in Beijing

The first peacekeeping joint military exercise between neighbors China and Mongolia was launched on June 28 at a training base in north Beijing.

The six-day drill, called “Peacekeeping Mission 2009”, featured a series of exercises, emulating real scenarios in international peacekeeping missions.

It was the first joint peacekeeping exercise China held with another country, as well as the first joint military training between China and Mongolia.

The exercise - involving 45 Mongolian and 46 Chinese soldiers - included academic lectures, joint training and comprehensive simulation drills as well as featuring cultural exchanges.

In the last two decades, China has sent 13,000 troops, officers and observers around the world for peacekeeping missions. Both local and overseas experts said the move marked China's fulfillment of obligations commensurate with its growing importance on the world stage.

Currently, almost 2,000 Chinese soldiers are serving in 14 nations and regions around the globe, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

Both countries agreed the drill has strengthened military mutual trust between the two neighbors as they mark the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on Oct 16.

Video: Cui Xiaohuo| Editor: Huan CAO