Xinhua reports that the UN-AU peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) in Nyala has awarded medal to the Chinese peacekeeping engineering contingent in Darfur. Importantly, this is the first time UNAMID conferred ‘Medal of Honor’ since its inception on January 1, 2008. China had sent its first group of peacekeeping force to Darfur on November 24, 2007. The second group was sent in July 17, 2008. It is reported that the UN Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy has praised highly the contribution of the Chinese team1.

In an important diplomatic move, the Chinese President has appointed Zhang Yesui as the new Ambassador to the United Nations. Zhang Yesui will replace Wang Guangya. This is a decision taken by the President of China in line with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative body2.

• 1. “Chinese peacekeepers in Darfur honored by UNAMID”, People’s Daily (online), October 13, 2008, at http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6513625.html
• 2. “Chinese President appoints new ambassador to United Nations”, People’s Daily (online), October 11, 2008, at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6513299.html