Chinese troops in first joint medical drill with major Nato power in Europe
- About 100 PLA medics are taking part in the two-week exercise, along with 120 medics and 120 support personnel from German military
- Focus is on humanitarian rescue efforts, with scenarios including an outbreak of cholera in a refugee camp and a bomb strike on a UN vehicle
The People’s Liberation Army is staging its first joint medical exercise with a major Nato power in Europe, as China steps up efforts to strengthen ties with European countries.
About 100 PLA medics are taking part in the two-week “Combined Aid 2019” exercise at a base in Feldkirchen, southern Germany, alongside 120 medics and 120 support personnel from the German military, the Bundeswehr, China’s defence ministry said on its Weibo account.
In addition to the medics, the PLA also sent a full array of field equipment including armoured ambulances to Germany for the drill, which began on Wednesday last week and finishes on July 17. It is the first time the PLA has shipped armoured vehicles to Europe.
The joint exercise is focused on humanitarian rescue efforts and comes as China’s military plays an increasingly active role in international efforts like peacekeeping missions. It also coincides with more frequent exchanges and cooperation between China and European countries on issues ranging from global trade to climate change.
According to China’s defence ministry, the exercise includes a scenario of an outbreak of cholera in a refugee camp, and a bomb strike on a United Nations vehicle resulting in serious casualties, with the Chinese and German soldiers working together to handle the situations.
