preface
The tranquility in southern Lebanon was shattered by a deafening explosion. Near the camp of the Chinese peacekeepers, the smoke of gunpowder was filled with debris flying everywhere. This is not a drill, but a real threat. Who would be so ruthless to the Blue Helmets at the United Nations?
Why are Chinese peacekeepers targeted? As the situation escalates, a bigger question emerges: Is there a hidden game behind this conflict?
Thrilling borderline
The tranquility in southern Lebanon was shattered by a deafening explosion. On the afternoon of 19 September, the 22nd batch of Chinese peacekeeping troops in Lebanon suddenly heard loud explosions of multiple aerial bombs around the barracks of the multi-functional engineering detachment.
The explosion site is only 730 meters from the camp, and this is no joke! The doors, windows, ceilings, and mirrors in the camp were damaged to varying degrees, as if they had experienced a small earthquake.
Just when everyone thought it was just a fluke, on 10 and 11 October, Israel forces launched another attack on UNIFIL.
This time it was a real artillery attack, with a Merkava tank firing directly at the UNIFIL tower, injuring a number of peacekeepers. Although the Chinese peacekeepers were lucky to escape this time, who knows what will happen next?
In the face of such a dangerous situation, our peacekeepers are not waiting for death. They moved quickly to adjust their defense structures, increase vigilance, reduce outdoor activities and wear protective gear around the clock. Where is this peacekeeping mission, it's like a war!
However, the question arises: why does the Israel army frequently attack UN peacekeeping forces? What are the strategic considerations behind these attacks?
This article was originally published in the Global Times on 2024-09-21 on "Live Pictures! A number of aerial bombs exploded, causing damage to the barracks of our peacekeepers in Lebanon
Chinese power under the blue helmets
Speaking of Chinese peacekeepers, it is really a powerful force under the blue helmets!
At present, the 22nd batch of mainland peacekeeping troops to Lebanon has a total of 410 officers and men, divided into three teams: a multifunctional engineering detachment, a construction engineering detachment, and a medical detachment, and is stationed quite close to the Lebanon capital, which can be said to be on the cusp of the storm.
The Blue Helmets are not here for a vacation. Their tasks are dirty, tiring, and dangerous: mine clearance, "blue line" piling, engineering construction and maintenance, medical treatment, and humanitarian relief. However, our peacekeepers have done a good job of these difficult tasks.
In the past 20 years, the report card of Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon is simply blinding: nearly 2 million square meters of minefields have been cleared, more than 10,000 mines and explosives have been removed, more than 320 kilometers of roads have been repaired, and more than 67,000 people have been rescued.
Behind these figures is the sweat and dedication of countless Chinese soldiers. The locals are also very welcoming to us Chinese soldiers. In the face of the current tense situation, our peacekeepers are not waiting to die.
They have adopted a series of hard-core measures: adjusting the defense structure of the camp, strengthening vigilance, reducing outdoor activities, wearing protective equipment around the clock, and often organizing training to improve their ability to help themselves and each other.
These measures not only demonstrate the professionalism of Chinese soldiers, but also demonstrate their firm determination to the mission of peace. But how exactly do our peacekeepers balance security and mission in such a dangerous environment? How did they stick to their original intention of peace in the midst of war?
The original article was published in Luzhong Morning Post on 2024-10-11 "About" Crossing the Line! Israel opened fire on the camp of the UN peacekeepers, many countries spoke out"
A spokesman for the mainland Ministry of Defense responded
Israel's mess has provoked the international community! Countries have jumped out to strongly condemn Israel's actions. The France Foreign Ministry asked the Israel authorities for an explanation.
Even United States, who has always supported Israel, could not sit still this time, and a White House spokesman said it was "deeply concerned." UN Secretary-General António Guterres was even more firing and directly told Israel that such behavior was "intolerable."
Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations went even further, calling Israel's attack on the camp of UN peacekeepers a "war crime." It seems that Israel has really offended everyone this time.
We in China, of course, will not sit idly by. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning's statement can be described as a pearl of words: China expresses grave concern and strong condemnation of the Israel Defense Forces attack on UNIFIL. She also stressed that this act was a grave violation of international law and must cease immediately.
Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian's statement was even more resounding: China firmly opposes any attack on UN peacekeepers, and demands that the incident be investigated and those involved held accountable.
He also stressed that the Chinese peacekeeping force in Lebanon is currently safe, and China will take measures to further enhance its security and defense capabilities.
There seems to be a fairly consistent attitude of the international community in its support for peacekeeping operations. But the question is, will Israel relent, in the face of such a strong international reaction? If the situation continues to deteriorate, how should the international community respond?
The original article was published on North Evening Online 2024-10-15 "About "Ministry of Defense: China's peacekeeping forces in Lebanon are currently safe and will improve their security and defense capabilities"
What does the future hold for peacekeeping operations?
The origins of UNIFIL can be traced back to 1978. In March of that year, under the pretext of fighting Palestinian guerrillas, Israel invaded Lebanon without saying a word and occupied southern Lebanon.
Seeing that this situation was not right, the United Nations hastened to adopt Resolution 425 on March 19, deciding to send a 4,000-strong interim force to the "town" in southern Lebanon. This was the predecessor of UNIFIL.
At the outset, UNIFIL's mission was simple: to oversee the withdrawal of Israel troops, restore peace and help the Government of Lebanon regain control of the situation. But as time went on, their work became more and more complex.
In 2006, the Council adopted resolution 1701, which added to UNIFIL's role not only to monitor the ceasefire, but also to assist in the deployment of Lebanese government forces in the south. The mandate of UNIFIL has been extended over and over the decades, and now until 31 August 2025.
But the current situation is a nightmare for peacekeeping operations. Frequent attacks by Israeli forces on UNIFIL pose a serious threat to the safety of peacekeepers.
UN Under-Secretary-General Lacroix said that UNIFIL operations had come to an almost complete standstill since 23 September, with peacekeepers confined to the base and even monitoring and resupply capabilities severely affected.
In the face of such a predicament, maintaining regional peace seems to be an impossible task. But the international community is not out of the question: increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, calls on all parties to protect peacekeepers and enhance UNIFIL's self-defence capability are all options that could be considered.
But the question is, will these solutions really work in the current complex geopolitical environment? If the situation continues to deteriorate, what will be the future of UNIFIL?
The original article was published in the National Business Daily 2024-10-11 on "The Israeli army opened fire on the UN peacekeeping force for 2 consecutive days!" Italy: constitutes a war crime; China: Absolutely not! There are also protests from France and other countries, and United States has stated that "
epilogue
UNIFIL's situation is like dancing on the tip of a knife. On the one hand, the loftiness of the peacekeeping mission and on the other hand, the grimness of the current situation. As an important force, China's peacekeepers are interpreting the meaning of "guardians of peace" with practical actions.
In the face of the uncertainty ahead, we look forward to the international community working together to bring true peace to this war-torn land. After all, peace is never a one-man affair, but a goal that requires the joint efforts of all.
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