A second coordination meeting for joint maritime search and rescue exercises held by China and ASEAN member states was held in Zhanjiang from Aug 22 to 23.

At the meeting, Chinese and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) officials discuss arrangements, plans and procedures for the exercise with representatives from search and rescue agencies.

Zhanjiang holds the second coordination meeting for the Maritime Joint Search and Rescue Field Exercise between China and ASEAN member states from Aug 22 to 23. [Photos/ zjphoto.yinsha.com]

The exercise plan was approved and a desktop simulation was carried out, before Chinese officials briefed on the progress of the China-Cambodia emergency rescue hotline – a maritime cooperation between the two countries to assist each other with sea rescues.

It is hoped that more hotlines can be established with other ASEAN members.

The joint search and rescue field exercise will be held in Zhanjiang in October, with exercises of maritime and air rescue, marine firefighting, underwater exploration, marine leak stoppage, personnel transfer and medical assistance, being held.

Hosted by China Maritime Search and Rescue Centre, the exercise aims to deepen communication and cooperation in maritime search and rescue between China and ASEAN members, pushing forward the establishment of an efficient cooperation mechanism.

Government officials and search and rescue experts attend the meeting from Aug 22 to 23.