China destroys more than 500,000 landmines

BEIJING, June 8 (UPI) -- Chinese military officials say country has destroyed at least 500,000 old land mines since signing a de-mining protocol in 1998.

An official with the Headquarters of The General Staff of People's Liberation Army said since China signed the U.N. Protocol on Land Mines in 1998, it has used eight disposal stations to destroy more than 500,000 old or obsolete land mines.

The Xinhua News Agency reported the country has also cleared land mines within its border as well as offered de-mining assistance to other countries.

Since signing the protocol, China has also helped about 10 countries in Asia and Africa by supplying various forms of assistance including financial support, de-mining equipment and technical training.