A white paper issued Thursday by the Information Office of the State Council says that to date, China has destroyed hundreds of thousands of old or obsolete landmines.

According to a white paper with the title of the China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, China has adopted a series of new military standards as required by the Protocol and a comprehensive survey of old or obsolete landmines has been conducted, and a phased program of modification or destruction of such landmines is implemented.

According to the paper, in the 1990s, China conducted two large-scale de-mining operations in the border areas, thus basically eliminating landmine problems within its borders.

The paper also says China fully understands and sympathizes with other countries' sufferings caused by landmines and has been actively engaged in international de-mining assistance and cooperation.

Since 1998, China has participated in de-mining operations in about 10 countries in Asia and Africa through various forms of assistance, including financial donations, providing de-mining equipment and technical training.

Source: Xinhua