A Chinese peacekeeping force has become the first standby, rapid deployment Formed Police Unit (FPU) in the history of the United Nations.

The world's first standby unit for United Nations peacekeeping missions passed UN tests on Sept. 21 opening the door for the Chinese FPU participating in future UN missions.

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"Today, altogether we have witnessed an excellent performance, a professionally formed police unit," said Ata Yenigun, chief for selection and recruitment at the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the test evaluator.

"We have seen motivated personnel, a fit and healthy staff."

Yenigun said another UN team will inspect the FPU's equipment in October. After assessment, and if everything goes well, the unit will be ready for rapid deployment.

"China has set a high standard for its peacekeeping FPU," said Yenigun.

"During the past few days (of the selection process), I have noticed that the team is professional, and many of its members have rich experience in peacekeeping. They are fully prepared, and can be sent for missions swiftly once there is need."

The tests were held at the China Peacekeeping Police Training Center in Langfang, Hebei province. China's Ministry of Public Security, which oversees China's UN peacekeeping operations, said all 160 members of the Chinese FPU passed with merit.

During the UN Peacekeeping Summit in 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised China will take the lead in organizing a standby FPU. Xi also announced China's plan to establish an 8,000-strong standby FPU for UN peacekeeping missions.

China's standby FPU consists of 160 members. Of this number, 50 were stationed in countries, including Haiti and Liberia for peacekeeping missions.

All the members passed three rounds of selection. Most understand or speak English since the peacekeeping missions have a high standard for language proficiency.

On average, China contributes more troops to UN peacekeeping missions than any other permanent member of the UN Security Council.

TagsUnited Nations, Formed Police Unit, United Nations peacekeeping missions, Ata Yenigun, China Peacekeeping Police Training Center, Xi Jinping