A third group of peacekeepers left here for a United Nations mission in Mali on Thursday, replacing the second batch, stationed there since September.

The 190-strong troop boarded a UN charter flight in Dalian, a port city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, The Shanghai Daily reported.

The third batch of Chinese peacekeepers numbers 395 in total, with the rest leaving for Mali later. The troops are composed of military engineers, security personnel and medical staff. They will stay in Mali for an eight-month mission.

They are tasked with repairing roads, bridges, airport runways and barrack facilities as well as medical aid and patient transportation.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China supports the important role the UN plays in safeguarding the peace and security of the world, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.