China has destroyed more than half a million old or obsolete
landmines since it signed a UN de-mining protocol nine years ago, a
military official said on Friday.
China signed the Amended Protocol on Landmines in 1998. Since
then it has destroyed more than 500,000 old or obsolete landmines
in the country's eight disposal stations, according to an official
with the Headquarters of the General Staff of People's Liberation
Army.
China has also taken other measures -- such as clearing
landmines within its border and offering de-mining assistance to
other countries -- to fulfill its duties under the protocol, the
official said.
Since 1998, China has taken part in de-mining operations in more
than 10 countries in Asia and Africa, providing them with various
forms of assistance including financial support, de-mining
equipment and technical training.
(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2007)