A team of 95 Chinese riot control police have arrived in Haiti, adding to an overextended UN peacekeeping force struggling to keep order in the troubled nation.

The Chinese police joined more than three thousand UN peacekeepers in a Brazilian-led force that was supposed to have 8-thousand members.

UN officials say more troops should arrive soon.

It is China's first contribution to a UN mission in the Western Hemisphere.

Thirty more Chinese police arrived earlier.

Their six-month mission is to provide security while helping to train Haitian police.

Zhang Boqing is chief representative of China's Trade Development Office in Haiti.

"This force is China's answer to the UN's appeal. Because China, as you know, is a big country and a permanent member of the Security Council, it's our duty to bring our contribution to Haiti's stability," said Zhang. 

Haiti's latest wave of violence erupted when supporters of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide demonstrated on September 30th to demand his return from exile in South Africa and an end to "occupation" by foreign troops.

Police reportedly shot and killed two protesters, and the next day three police were found beheaded.

At least 55 people have been killed by gunfire in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince since September 30.

(CRI October 18, 2004)