BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- China has sent a troop of 395 peacekeepers to the United Nations mission in Mali, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing that the troop is composed of 170 security personnel, 155 military engineers and 70 medical staff. All of them have been deployed.

As a permanent member of the UN security council, China supports the important role the UN plays in safeguarding the peace and security of the world, Hong said, adding that peacekeeping operations are an important way for the UN to settle regional issues.

China firmly supports and actively participates in the UN peacekeeping operations, he added.

Hong noted that China's participation in UN peacekeeping in Mali is not only a support for the UN but also a contribution to African peace and security.