In the heart of Cambodia, Liu Wenzhi, a retired military veteran turned demining specialist, is spearheading a perilous yet gratifying mission to eliminate landmines, offering hope to a nation scarred by the remnants of war.
Upon arriving in Cambodia, Liu encountered a landscape where landmines posed an ongoing threat to the safety of the local population, leading to frequent casualties and hindering villagers from accessing their farmlands. Despite the challenges, Liu was deeply moved by the resilient spirit demonstrated by the locals in the face of adversity.
Liu, who had served in a field force for 12 years and participated in peacekeeping operations, understood the devastating impact of landmines on people’s lives. Motivated by a commitment to peace, he eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute his skills to the cause.
In Cambodia, Liu is not alone, as many Chinese individuals actively participate in demining missions. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of individuals and organizations working together for a common goal—creating a world where the haunting specter of landmines is replaced by the promise of peace and safety for future generations.
A recent handover ceremony for China-supported mine-clearance equipment in Phnom Penh marked a milestone in China-Cambodia cooperation. As Cambodia aims to achieve its mine-free goal by 2025, China has pledged continued support, with the two countries signing a memorandum of understanding on mine-clearance cooperation.
Liu’s demining project, initiated by the Peaceland Foundation, has become a beacon of hope for Cambodia. While acknowledging the challenges, including a funding gap and environmental factors, Liu emphasized the psychological stress and heightened tension faced by demining team members.
Cooperation and solidarity are crucial in addressing technical challenges, management issues, and garnering global support for demining efforts, Liu stressed. During his time in Cambodia, Liu and his team embraced a collaborative approach, engaging in mutual learning and exchanging technical expertise with their Cambodian counterparts.
As the demining project enters a new year, Liu and his team plan to set up a new unit to join local efforts in eliminating landmines, contributing to Cambodia’s ongoing journey toward a landmine-free future. The China-Aided Cambodia Landmines Elimination Project has already made significant strides, clearing over 107 square kilometers of land and destroying approximately 78,000 landmines and unexploded ordinances.