Landmines remain a global scourge and at a workshop in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, experts from all over the world are working on initiatives to address this deadly problem.

Currently, about 120 million landmines are littered across the planet, killing civilians on a daily basis. But one problem facing governments is cooperation at an international level.

These are no ordinary metal boxes. They're land-mines. And over one hundred million of them pose a lethal danger to civilians every day. In war time, land-mines are deadly and efficient weapons. But their ability to kill lasts long after war ends. And this has become a major concern for governments around the world.

Beginning in 1992, China has spent 7 years removing over 2.2 million land-mines in its border areas. The aim is to remove the danger for civilians, and give them access to much needed arable land.

China opposes a blanket ban on land-mines. However, recognizing humanitarian concerns, the government is committed to limiting its use of the weapon. In 1998, China joined a landmine protocol, signed so far by 26 counties.

China has also been helping other countries clear land-mines in the field.

In 2002 and 2003, China sent teams to Eritrea in Africa to help the local people clear up the hidden killers littering their country.

However, it will not be an easy task coping with 120 million land- mines in 80 countries. Many of them are in less developed Asian countries, with few resources for tackling the problem. These delegates from 15 countries hope to help by sharing their experience and technical know-how.

Source: CCTV News