North-Benz Heavy-Duty Truck Co. Ltd, based in Baotou, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Sunday handed over 25 trucks to be transported to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia.  

It is believed to be the first time China has made motor vehicles for UN peacekeeping forces.

A spokesman with North-Benz Heavy-Duty Truck Co. Ltd said the trucks were made in accordance with the requirements of UN peacekeeping forces and will be capable of adapting well to climatic conditions of the African Continent.

According to the spokesman, more similar trucks will be produced in the near future.

China's first team of peace-keepers to the west African nation of Liberia, composed of five policemen, set off on Nov. 30, said sources from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

It is the first time China has dispatched peacekeeping police to Africa, which was at the request of the United Nations (UN) and approved by the State Council, China's highest governing body.

Since January 2000, the Chinese government has sent 214 police officers to participate in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2003)