BEIJING — China has concluded a specialized three-week training program focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) operations for military personnel from various developing nations participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The program, held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, was co-hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense’s Peacekeeping Affairs Center and the Air Force Engineering University. It drew participants from eight countries, including Algeria, Malaysia, South Africa, and Pakistan, alongside UN representatives.

According to state media, the curriculum covered 31 core areas aligned with UN peacekeeping guidelines, encompassing drone deployment, command and control, safety protocols, and counter-drone technologies. Organizers emphasized hands-on flight operations and scenario-based training simulating conflict mediation in actual mission zones.

Defense analysts note that the initiative reflects Beijing's broader diplomatic strategy to deepen security cooperation with the "Global South" and position itself as a key pillar of multilateralism. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones into peacekeeping support, China aims to address modern technological gaps faced by traditional troop-contributing developing nations.

Over recent years, China’s dedicated peacekeeping training hub has instructed personnel from more than 70 countries, drawing praise from international officials for bolstering collective operational readiness under the UN framework.

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