By Zhou Na, Liu Xiaowei, Chi Xuedong, Zhang Tianyu, Yang Chao, Yin Chuandong, Tan Yuzhou and Wang Yong

VIENTIANE, Sept. 8 -- The China-Laos "Peace Train-2026" joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise and medical service activities kicked off in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on September 7, 2026.

The Chinese and Lao militaries have held this series of joint exercises six times since 2017. This series of exercises has become a platform for enhancing the two militaries' capabilities in joint rescue and response to natural disasters.

Set against the backdrop of international humanitarian medical rescue following a super typhoon disaster, the exercise features a three-tier command structure and a four-tier rescue system. Using medical trains, field medical treatment equipment and unmanned intelligent equipment, the two sides will organize mixed joint training, full-process joint rehearsals and live-force exercises.

The exercise aims to explore operational models for cross-border joint medical rescue and further enhance the medical support coordination and emergency response capabilities of the two militaries.

The exercise will run until late September, with more than 700 personnel from both sides participating. During this period, medical services, cultural exchanges, and other activities will also be organized.