China's one-man Afghan mission

China's contribution to the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan may prove a heavy burden for one policeman from southern China.

Zhang Ming has been chosen as the sole member of a Chinese contingent to join the international effort, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

China shares a small stretch of its border with Afghanistan and Mr Zhang's presence is to help boost the fight against drug-trafficking.

He will take up his new international posting on Friday.

He has experience combating the illegal narcotics trade in his native Hainan province, Xinhua said.

China does not have a significant role in international peacekeeping operations, although it has previously sent police officers to East Timor, Bosnia and Liberia.

It is not clear why China has decided to send just one officer to Afghanistan but analysts say it may be to play a symbolic part in helping a neighbouring country.