Keeping the peace

Growing numbers

More Chinese service persnnel are expected to head to the African country early next year, with nearly 400 Chinese personnel expected to work on the Mali mission.

Li Shuxiang, a 27-year-old sergeant who has served in the army for eight years, is one of those who is going to Mali.

"I didn't think much before I applied for the peacekeeping mission," he says. "I just felt a sense of honor."

Family members of the troops heading overseas cannot help but worry about them.

Yang Wenhua and his wife registered their marriage on the morning of July 1, and the young man's application to Mali was approved in the afternoon.

Yang's busy training schedule prevented the couple from holding a wedding ceremony, but his wife understood and supported him.

"She kept crying and crying in the last two days before our departure, but she still wants me to be the best in the team and serve the mission in Mali successfully," Yang says, adding that his wife had packed his luggage for him.

The new bride waited at the airport until the lights of the peacekeepers' flight disappeared into the dark night.

"I will give her the best wedding ceremony next year, after the mission," Yang says.

zhaoyanrong@chinadaily.com.cn

( China Daily Africa Weekly 12/20/2013 page1)