Peace on the ground can be a matter of life and death. In southern Lebanon, the 120-kilometer 'Blue Line'—the UN-demarcated border created after the last conflict—remains scarred by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
In CGTN's groundbreaking documentary series 'Blue Helmets, No Borders', we follow Chinese peacekeepers from the Multi-Role Engineering Unit as they lead a high-stakes mission to clear this dangerous zone. With each step, they risk triggering deadly devices—what they call 'dancing on the tip of the knife.'
The memories of July 2006 still hang heavy over the mission. That year, Major Du Zhaoyu of the Chinese peacekeeping contingent and three fellow UN observers were killed by a stray shell while on duty. Their sacrifice underscores the fragility of peace and the courage needed to protect it.
Equipped with mine-detection equipment and armoured vehicles, the engineers survey fields, roads and former battle zones for hidden threats. Every cleared device is a measured victory, making life safer for local residents and UN staff alike.
'Blue Helmets, No Borders' showcases not just the technical skill, but also the compassion and solidarity that drive peacekeepers from around the globe. Their shared goal transcends borders, bringing young global citizens, business leaders and travelers face to face with the real costs of conflict—and the hope that comes from rebuilding trust on dangerous ground.
This is Part One: The Blue Line. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we follow UN peacekeepers on a different front, proving that peacekeeping has no borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
