Ministry of Defense: China is willing to continue contributing to the realization of a "world without landmines"
On the afternoon of April 30, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Major General Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered questions from reporters.
Reporter: According to reports, the Chinese Permanent Mission in Geneva held a themed event titled "Strengthening Humanitarian Mine Clearance Operations to Promote Global Common Security." The representative from the Chinese Ministry of Defense introduced the specific practical achievements of China's humanitarian mine clearance cooperation. Please provide details on this.
Zhang Xiaogang: China deeply understands the desire of the people in mine-affected countries for security and development. We have organized international seminars on humanitarian mine clearance multiple times and held nearly 30 international humanitarian mine clearance training sessions. We actively participate in mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Experts Group on Mine Clearance, support the construction of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center, promote the exchange of international mine clearance experiences and technical sharing, and play a constructive role in enhancing the overall level of mine clearance in the region.
As of now, Chinese peacekeeping forces have cleared over 21,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance in countries such as Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia, and have cleared more than 200,000 square meters of minefields, assisting local people in eliminating mine threats. Since 1998, China has provided mine detection equipment and humanitarian supplies to over 40 countries and has continuously implemented the "Helping Africa Eliminate Mine Threats" initiative, offering mine clearance assistance to Southeast Asian countries. Since 2018, China has assisted Cambodia in clearing 188.8 square kilometers of land and destroying 105,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance. China will uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, deeply implement the global security initiative, and continue to contribute to reducing the harm of landmines to civilians and achieving a "mine-free world" as soon as possible.
China's Peacekeeping Forces have cleared over 21,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance in Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia. Since 1998, China has provided demining equipment and humanitarian supplies to over 40 countries, including significant assistance to Cambodia. The Chinese government emphasizes its commitment to achieving a 'mine-free world' through international cooperation and training initiatives.
- China has cleared over 21,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance in various countries.
- China has conducted nearly 30 international humanitarian demining training sessions.
- Since 1998, China has provided demining equipment and humanitarian supplies to over 40 countries.
- China assisted Cambodia in clearing 188.8 square kilometers of landmines since 2018.
- China promotes the concept of a 'mine-free world' and supports regional demining initiatives.