China's defense ministry has rejected allegations by a US-based group, the Center For Civilians in Conflict, against its peacekeepers in South Sudan. CIVIC said Chinese peacekeepers had abandoned their posts in South Sudan in July instead of protecting civilians after coming under attack.

Defense ministry spokesman, Yang Yujun, said China's peacekeeping forces carried out the instructions of the UN mission in a responsible manner. He said they did their utmost to guarantee the safety of civilians and other peacekeepers.

The spokesman rejected CIVIC's allegations that Chinese peacekeepers used tear gas on civilians. He said the UNMISS headquarters handed over the protection of humanitarian aid workers to peacekeepers from other countries during the conflict after 2 Chinese peacekeepers were killed and 5 injured.

Yang pointed out the UN is investigating the issue.  He said it's irresponsible to make unwarranted accusations against UN peacekeepers and personnel before the findings have been published.