Chinese peacekeeping riot police in Haiti have been awarded a UN peace medal for their outstanding performance in the crisis-torn country. (Xinhua file photo)

(Xinhua file photo)

    HAVANA, Jan. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese peacekeeping riot police in Haiti have been awarded a UN peace medal for their outstanding performance in the crisis-torn country, a Chinese police officer told Xinhua on Wednesday.

    Zhao Xiaoxun, head of the 125-member police detachment, received the medal at a ceremony held in the Chinese police camp in Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti.

    The 125-member force, which includes four women, on a six-month mission, has supported the international peacekeeping presence, assisted and trained local police in law enforcement, as well as dealt with mass public security emergencies.

    David Bill, head of the UN police in Haiti, said at the ceremony that the Chinese police officers have made great contribution to securing social order and protecting the life and property of the Haitian people.

    The Chinese team is highly disciplined and brave, setting a good example for all the peacekeeping police teams there, he added.

    Haitian officials, peacekeeping police officers from France, Canada, Pakistan, Jordan, Nepal, and officials from the Chinese Public Security Ministry were present at the ceremony.

    Starting from 1999, China has contributed more than 400 civilian police officers to UN missions in East Timor, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Liberia and Haiti. Enditem