HARBIN - A 395-strong peacekeeping troop was formed in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiangrovince, on Friday and will be sent to Mali.

The troop including engineering, medical and guard teams will be sent in two batches at the end of July and the beginning of September, respectively.

The peacekeepers will be tasked with repairing roads and bridges, safeguarding peace and stability as well as providing medical assistance.

It will be China's 30th UN peacekeeping mission since it started dispatching peacekeepers in 1989.