Four highlights of ‘Cooperation Spirit 2012’ drill

The "Cooperation Spirit 2012" China-Australia-New Zealand comprehensive drill on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief started on October 29, 2012 in the barracks in the Australian coastal city of Brisbane. "Small as it is, the drill has lots of highlights," said Xu Qingeng, commander of the Chinese side and director of the Comprehensive Bureau of the Health Department under the General Logistics Department (GLD) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

First highlight--new expansion of military diplomacy among China, Australia and New Zealand. On one hand, the drill is conducted within the existing military cooperation framework of the three countries; and on the other hand, it expands and deepens the trilateral exchange platform.

Second highlight--rich contents of the drill. The drill involves 11 categories of injuries including burn and wound, basically covering the main types of injuries caused by natural disasters.

Third highlight--brand-new organization form. It is the first actual-troop drill in medical field among China, Australia and New Zealand. The three sides conduct joint command, joint marshalling, joint implementation and joint support during the drill.

Fourth highlight--the application of advanced technologies. The Chinese medical detachment will use artificial man to show complex surgery, adopting the most advanced simulation techniques in the medical community today.