BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wearing a distinctive blue beret of the UN peacekeeping troops, 30-year-old Shao Xiaoguang marched past Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing on Sept. 3 with his fellow Chinese peacekeepers.

The grand military parade he participated in was held in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"It was so exciting," he told Xinhua, his expression exuding confidence and a sense of pride.

The appearance of Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experience in the parade demonstrates the country's commitment to fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding global peace, according to Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade and a senior officer at the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.

In the 35 years since joining UN peacekeeping operations, China has dispatched over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions, undertaking 26 UN missions. Chinese peacekeepers have won wide applause for their dedication and professionalism.

Today, China is the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and provides more peacekeepers than any other permanent member of the UN Security Council, solidifying its role as a steadfast force for global peace.

A serviceman for more than 10 years, Shao was dispatched to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023 as a member of the engineer unit of the Chinese peacekeeping force. The moment he learned he had been selected for the mission, he felt a surge of pride. "It is a great honor to represent my home country on a peacekeeping mission," he said.

In the DRC, Shao's tasks included carrying out engineering works and providing humanitarian assistance. Through these experiences, he gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of peacekeeping operations.

During the rainy season that year, a road within the mission area of his unit was damaged by a downpour, and Shao and his Chinese comrades took up the repair work. "After the road was fully repaired, local people danced on it with joy," he said. "That moment gave me a profound sense of fulfillment."

Beyond their regular duties, his unit engaged with local communities, organizing initiatives such as donating stationery and daily necessities to local schools.

These activities brought peacekeepers closer to local people. "When local children saw the Chinese national flag on our arm badge, they would always gather around us like close friends."

Lan Yu, 28, another Chinese peacekeeper who took part in this year's parade, shared a similar experience to Shao's. In 2019, Lan served as an infantryman with the UN-mandated Chinese peacekeeping force in South Sudan. He still vividly recalls a moment at a primary school in Juba, the country's capital.

"We visited the school to make a donation," Lan recalled. "With the sticks of chalk we had just given them, a girl drew a white dove of peace on the blackboard."

For 26-year-old Luo Yao, who participated twice in UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the development of the Chinese military is meant to safeguard the peace secured by the victory 80 years ago and to bring hope to those in need.

Highlighting the dangers of peacekeeping missions, he recalled an incident when he and his comrades were repairing a road in a conflict zone, and an artillery shell exploded just a few hundred meters away.

Over the years, Chinese peacekeepers have carried out a wide range of tasks, including mine-sweeping, ceasefire monitoring, security patrols and emergency rescue operations, Wu said, adding that a total of 17 Chinese service members have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of world peace.

Bearing in mind the immense suffering the country endured during the war, members of the Chinese armed forces understand the vital importance of maintaining peace, Luo said. He emphasized that they remain committed to resolutely safeguarding China's sovereignty, security, and development interests.

"The peace of our country today is hard-won. We should carry on the baton from our predecessors and continue to safeguard the peace of our country and the world," Shao said.  ■