The Australian Defence Force and Chinese People’s Liberation Army have taken part in a joint exercise in Sichuan Province, China, designed to improve reactions to humanitarian disasters. 15 relief workers from the ADF travelled to the Comprehensive Emergency Response Training Base at Chongyi in Sichuan Province, China, for the four day training exercise.
Major General Zhang Peiming, Chief of Staff of the Sichuan Military District PLA commented:
“The joint exercise is a concrete measure taken by both sides to expand cooperation and exchange, as well as to enhance our mutual understanding and trust.”
Air Commodore Dave Steele and Major General Zhang Peiming exchanged gifts after the arrival of the Australian contingent, with the CPLA being given a boomerang – the wooden hunting weapon of Australia’s traditional owners.