BEIJING - China will send a 700-peacekeeper infantry battalion to South Sudan for a United Nations peacekeeping mission, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

"The battalion, to be equipped with light self-defense weapons, armored infantry carriers, bulletproof uniforms and helmets, will assume the task of protecting civilians, UN and humanitarian staff, patrolling and guarding missions," Geng Yansheng said at a monthly press briefing.

Geng said the peacekeeping mission is in accordance with the UN Security Council's Resolution 2155 and approved by China's State Council and Central Military Commission.

The exact timing and area for the deployment and the composition of the deployment will be decided after further consultations with the UN, Geng said.