Training begins for weapons destruction(2)

'Actively engaged'

"Considering the special situation in Syria, it is possible that the chemical weapons will be moved to other countries that already have destruction facilities to save time," said Yang Jianguo, who has worked in OPCW since 1997 and retired in 2010.

However, that possibility still depends on the final destruction plan, he said.

Li Guofu, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said Chinese professionals' involvement shows that China is fully aware of its responsibilities and obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and wants to play a full role in peacekeeping.

"It is of great significance, not only for Syria. It shows that China is actively engaged in global affairs," Li said.

Li said the situation in Syria has changed dramatically after the international community promoted a political resolution to the Syrian civil war.

"Certain forces in Syria, supported by some countries secretly, are making trouble and obstacles for the Second Geneva Convention. Militants even launched several terrorist attacks," Li said.

He suggested the Chinese chemical experts "pay high attention" to their security.

Yin Gang, an expert on Middle East studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China has always tried its best in tasks assigned by the UN.

In 2003, China sent Yu Jianxing, a top expert in chemical defense for the destruction of chemical weapons to Iraq. Yu, then head of the UN weapons inspection group in Iraq, died in an accident during the assignment.

"Despite this great sacrifice, China, as a major power with chemical defense capabilities and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, still performs its responsibilities," Yin said.

The Ministry of National Defense said on Friday that Beijingis paying close attention to the security of its experts.

The ministry told China Daily that Chinese officials "have expressed our hope to the organization and the UN that security of the experts can be guaranteed, as well as logistics support for their work".