The Nation's Sharp Sword

In October 2015, the Ministry of Public Security established its fourth peacekeeping police riot-control unit for Liberia and assigned the Zhejiang Provincial Public Security Border Defense Corps sole responsibility for forming it. In response to the nation's call, 140 border police officers from Zhejiang were selected through multiple rounds to join the unit. After being screened and selected by the United Nations, the team deployed to the West African nation of Liberia in 2016. During their year-long peacekeeping mission, the 140 officers faced a harsh natural environment, complex power struggles, tense patrols and combat operations, and deadly epidemics. With the distinctive Zhejiang spirit of toughness, they composed stirring hymns to heroism on the distant soil of West Africa. Every officer received the United Nations Peace Medal, and the unit was commended by the provincial Party committee and government as an "Iron Army of Peacekeepers."