Pacific Island countries, among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, participated in a joint rescue exercise in south China's Guangdong Province on Sunday to bolster their disaster response capabilities.
Representatives from eight Pacific Island nations convened in Guangdong Province for the 2024 Belt and Road Emergency Rescue Exercise, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management and the Guangdong provincial government.
The event, a pioneering initiative for Pacific Island nations, brought together approximately 300 participants from emergency response forces representing China and the island nations
Twelve training exercises, including coordination and rope rescue missions, showcased the collaborative capacity of China and the Pacific Island countries in disaster response
"With the coordination and management of the United Nation['s INSARAG], countries are working together to do a good job in all aspects,”said Hou Jiansheng, director of China's National Earthquake Response Support Service.
John Strickland, director of Emergency Management for the Cook Islands, spoke highly of the event.
"Awesome. One of the best that I have seen personally, as a representative from the Cook Islands and my team. And this is something that we will treasure and develop and put on,”said Strickland.
Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame, who is on an official visit to China, led a Samoan delegation to the site. China's Deputy Minister of Emergency Management Xu Jia'ai said they hope the exercise provides more opportunities for Pacific island countries to resist disaster threats and respond to challenges.
Barassi Botelanga, Secretary for Nauru's National Emergency Services, said the exercise offers practical solutions suited to small island countries.
"Sharing best practices and also technology, and also the strategy that [enables] such a large-scale drill, tailored to a small island like Nauru,”said Botelanga.
Strickland underscored the significance of cooperation fostered through the exercise.
"The beauty of this exercise is actually looking at the cooperation and integration the working together. That togetherness is very important amongst all other countries in this whole exercise. Communication is always an issue. But the fact of the matter is this is one of the best that I have seen personally within the region. So, China is actually leading a lot in the capacity building. It's a positive aspect of the whole exercise, it's awesome," said Strickland.
With the China-Pacific Island Countries Center for Disaster Risk Reduction Cooperation set up in Jiangmen, officials hope the exchanges will improve the quality of China-Pacific emergency management cooperation and enhance the safety and well-being of their respective peoples.
China hosts major rescue exercise for 8 Pacific Island nations
