By Gao Yue
　　
　　When the morning sun rises over Juba, South Sudan, piercing through the tents of displacement camps and casting a warm golden glow on the blue helmets of peacekeepers, I know that this war-torn land is yearning for the dawn of peace. My name is Gao Yue, a female officer with China’s 11th contingent of peacekeeping police deployed to South Sudan. Driven by a commitment to peace and a strong sense of duty, I traveled thousands of miles to this part of Africa. During nearly a year of service, from a frontline patrol officer in the Juba Sector to its logistics officer chosen through open competition, I demonstrated the professionalism and dedication of Chinese police in every patrol and support task, conveying through small but meaningful actions the responsibility and compassion of China’s blue helmets.
　　When I first arrived in South Sudan, Juba, the capital, was strikingly different to prosperous Beijing. Low houses were scattered across the landscape, dust rose from potholed roads, and United Nations peacekeeping vehicles moved constantly through the streets. A sense of unease lingered in the air. The harsh sunlight, swarms of mosquitoes, infectious diseases, and limited resources made daily life difficult. Vitamin deficiencies caused painful cracks at the corners of my mouth, and working entirely in English on my first overseas peacekeeping mission added further pressure. Yet the melody of the song Be Proud, Chinese Blue Helmets often echoed in my mind. The encouragement from colleagues, my mother’s tearful pride, and my aspiration to contribute to world peace strengthened my resolve. No matter how difficult the mission might be, I would persevere. After completing induction training, interviews, and driving tests, I was eventually assigned as a patrol officer in the Juba Sector patrol team, where I began my frontline peacekeeping duties.
　　During my three months with the patrol team, I came into close contact with this land and its people, and those moments remain etched in my memory.
　　The roads in Juba are rough and uneven, and traffic for both vehicles and pedestrians is often chaotic. As a female officer, I had to drive a manual-transmission vehicle for four to five consecutive hours while conducting patrols under these demanding conditions. At first, a single patrol left me physically and mentally exhausted. Through persistent practice, however, I gradually gained confidence and adapted to the intensity of the work.
　　Our patrol routes covered many areas of Juba, but what struck me most were Foot Patrol Routes No. 1 and No. 3 and the Mangaten displacement camp. The moment we entered the camp, the stench hit us and the muddy ground made walking difficult. Escorted by the Formed Police Unit (FPU), we moved slowly through the camp. It was hard to imagine how displaced families managed to survive in such harsh and unsanitary conditions. Wherever we went, swarms of children would soon circle us. They greeted us in slightly off-kilter English and eagerly offered us fist bumps. Their clothes were worn and ragged, yet their eyes sparkled with curiosity about the world beyond. As United Nations police officers, our primary responsibility is to maintain security and stability. During patrols we would carefully ask residents about safety conditions and whether any incidents have occurred. Usually, however, they speak about their urgent needs for drinking water, food, and medicine. These needs fall outside the official mandate of UN peacekeeping police, and we do not have daily supplies for distribution. Yet when confronted with their helpless yet hopeful eyes, it was impossible to remain indifferent. Therefore, during one patrol, my Tunisian partner and I decided to buy candies from a small shop inside the camp with our own money and distribute them to the children. Watching them scramble for the sweets and beam with sheer contentment as they ate them brought a sense of warmth to our hearts. From then on, whenever we were to patrol the camp, I would prepare snacks and drinks in advance to share with them.
　　On a patrol through the camp, we saw several women hurrying past, one holding a baby wrapped in cloth. There was a deep anxiety on her face. It emerged that the baby was ill. They had taken the child to the hospital, but there was no doctor available. The mother’s helplessness brought tears to my eyes. I immediately documented the situation in my patrol report and submitted it to the relevant departments, hoping the information would lead to timely assistance and medical care for sick children in the camp.
　　Every patrol through displacement camps felt like a profound reminder of the meaning of peace. I saw children who had lost their parents wandering alone beside tents; elderly people injured during the war searching for food with the help of crutches; refugees cultivating small vegetable plots outside their shelters to support families. I also saw children studying diligently in makeshift classrooms, their eyes filled with hope for the future. These scenes taught me that peace should never be taken for granted. For the people of South Sudan, peace means no longer living in fear of gunfire. It means being able to farm near their homes safely, children studying in well-lit classrooms instead of growing up in displacement, and women no longer arguing over a single bucket of drinking water but living with basic security and dignity.
　　As a Chinese peacekeeping police officer I believe that small acts of kindness can amount to something meaningful. If I can bring even a small moment of warmth to others, the effort is worthwhile.
　　My frontline service deepened my understanding of the significance of peacekeeping work and gave me valuable practical experience. Later, when the sector opened a competitive selection for a logistics officer, I applied without hesitation. Logistics support is the backbone of peacekeeping operations. Only when logistics functions effectively can frontline officers carry out their duties without concern. With my patrol experience, English communication skills, and strong sense of responsibility, I was selected as the logistics officer of the Juba Sector. My role shifted from frontline patrol to behind-the-scenes support, while my commitment remained unchanged.
　　As a logistics officer, my work was demanding and meticulous, leaving no room for error. Dispatching, maintaining, and repairing sector vehicles, handling accidents, arranging meeting venues, applying for equipment, and supplying office materials are all essential tasks that ensure the sector’s smooth operation. Infrastructure in South Sudan is underdeveloped, and vehicles frequently break down on rough roads. Whether late at night or early in the morning, whenever I receive a report of a vehicle malfunction, I head to the scene immediately. Being on call has become part of my daily routine. To improve vehicle management, I established detailed records for every vehicle in the sector, conducted regular inspections, and anticipated potential problems. When faced with complex vehicle repairs, I proactively sought advice from specialists, embracing a philosophy of learning by doing. This hands-on approach transformed me—from someone initially overwhelmed by breakdowns to a officer capable of troubleshooting most common issues independently. It was through such daily challenges that I forged my skills.
　　At a sector-wide meeting in Juba, I presented a report on behalf of the logistics department and led practical training for colleagues on vehicle inspection procedures, troubleshooting common malfunctions, and accident response. Through visual presentations and on-site explanations, the sessions strengthened my colleagues’ understanding of logistics procedures. Both the report and the training were well received by sector leadership and fellow officers for their practical focus and clear structure.
　　Ensuring a steady supply of office materials posed another challenge. Due to local shortages, many supplies must be requested in advance and coordinated through multiple channels. To meet departmental needs, I frequently surveyed logistics requirements across the sector in my spare time, compiled supply lists, and coordinated with relevant UN departments to ensure timely delivery. In arranging meeting venues and applying for equipment, I adhered to meticulous standards, verifying every detail to ensure flawless execution. I have always made it a priority to uphold the positive image of the Chinese police. In working with peacekeepers from other countries, I follow the principle of friendship and mutual assistance. On one occasion, a foreign colleague’s vehicle broke down during a patrol in a remote area. After receiving the report, I immediately coordinated repair personnel and a rescue vehicle and drove for more than two hours to reach the site and resolve the problem. My work ethic and sense of responsibility earned recognition from both sector leadership and international colleagues.
　　Ahead of the Spring Festival, I organized a series of cultural activities within the UN mission area to display the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year. Drawing on my childhood training in calligraphy, I taught foreign colleagues to write the Chinese character Fu (meaning "good fortune") and guided them step by step in holding the brush and forming each stroke. The slightly uneven but heartfelt characters filled their faces with pride. Together, we posted the Fu characters throughout the office buildings, spreading the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year across the mission area. We also recorded a New Year greeting video together, sharing traditional customs by posting couplets, making dumplings, and exchanging holiday greetings. These activities strengthened communication and mutual understanding among colleagues from different countries and gave them a chance to experience the warmth and appeal of Chinese culture.
　　Through daily interaction with peacekeeping officers from other countries, I have gained a deeper appreciation of China’s growing national strength and international standing. Many colleagues express their curiosity about China and admiration for its development achievements. I often told them that China remains firmly committed to a path of peaceful development and that Chinese modernization has achieved two remarkable outcomes—rapid economic growth and long-term social stability—providing valuable lessons for global governance. They strongly agreed. As a Chinese peacekeeping officer, such words always make me proud. I am keenly aware that in performing my duties, I represent China. Every word and action reflects the image of Chinese police officers and, more broadly, the nation itself. For this reason, I always hold myself to the highest standards, striving to demonstrate the professionalism, discipline, and integrity of Chinese police officers, as well as the responsibility and commitment of our nation.
　　South Sudan is one of the youngest countries in the world, yet it has endured years of conflict. Despite its abundant oil resources, fertile land, and sincere people, political divisions and ethnic tensions have plunged the country into prolonged instability. Living and working here has deepened my understanding of peace and strengthened my determination to safeguard it. "Peace is the common aspiration and noble goal of humanity, and UN peacekeeping operations are born for peace and exist for peace." These words have always inspired me to keep moving forward on the path of peacekeeping.
　　From Beijing to Juba, from patrol duty to logistical support, I have remained dedicated to the cause of peace. My time in South Sudan has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have witnessed the suffering caused by conflict as well as the hope sustained through perseverance. I have endured the hardships of working in a foreign land and felt the warmth of solidarity. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the value of peace and reinforced my dedication as a people’s police officer. As my peacekeeping mission continues, challenges will inevitably arise. But I have no fear. I know that behind me is my country, alongside me are dedicated colleagues, and within me remains an unwavering belief in peace.
　　Whether on frontline patrol or in logistical support, I will continue to honor the oath of Chinese peacekeeping police through concrete actions, sowing seeds of peace across South Sudan and allowing China’s blue helmets to shine there as a source of hope. I will continue to safeguard peace far from home, writing a chapter of mission and honor for Chinese female peacekeepers on the world stage.■
　　
　　（Translated by Chen Xiaoying, School of Foreign Languages, Beijing Forestry University）