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)