Cross-border Rescue Capacity Enhanced Through Joint Training
From June 21 to 25, 24 participants from Liberia, Myanmar, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan took part in the “Belt and Road Countries Mine Rescue Training” held at the Shenhua Shendong Coal Group’s training base in China. During the program, they engaged in in-depth technical exchanges with the China National Mine Emergency Rescue Shendong Team on topics such as mine safety monitoring systems, fire rescue technologies, and team coordination mechanisms. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce and coordinated by the International Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Emergency Management, the training aimed to promote cross-border cooperation in emergency response under the Belt and Road Initiative.
On-site Training and Equipment Demonstrations
The training covered a full process from preparation to advanced equipment demonstrations. Over 50 rescue tools were presented, including multi-gas detectors, underground reconnaissance robots, and life detection devices. Participants experienced realistic scenarios such as simulated fire environments and 3D virtual reality rescue training. A Serbian trainee highlighted the critical role of underground monitoring systems, especially when manual monitoring is still common in his country. A Liberian participant emphasized their urgent need for such technologies, noting that manpower alone cannot address mining hazards effectively.
Global Rescue Capacity Strengthened Through International Cooperation
Throughout the five-day training, participants rotated through four main scenarios: mine accidents, water rescues, building fires, and confined space rescues. They were particularly impressed by China’s high-level rescue equipment and well-organized coordination mechanisms. An Uzbek trainee noted that importing China’s fire equipment and procedures could help reduce summer fire-related losses. In the final joint drill, participants worked alongside Shendong team members, reflecting not only technical learning but also growing mutual trust and international coordination. Shendong officials emphasized the two-way nature of the exchange, explaining that they also learned from the distinct rescue approaches of other countries. Ultimately, this training served as a vivid example of the Belt and Road Initiative’s “people-to-people” connectivity and China’s active role in global safety governance.