China's demining training helps other countries rebuild

Part of the Chinese government's humanitarian efforts includes sponsoring a mine-clearing course.

Dressed in their mine sweeping gear, these 30 humanitarian soldiers are ready to show off what they've learned over the past six weeks.

The trainees are from Laos, one of eight Asian countries severely affected by landmines. The country's history of conflict has left behind a massive array of unexploded ordnance in the ground, which continues to pose dangers to innocent civilians.

De-mining is an important part of Laos's post-war reconstruction efforts.

The team is drilled on some of the basic mine-clearing methods, such as using metal detectors and a remotely-operated loader.

Emergency situations are also simulated, testing the team's ability to work quickly and effectively.

This is the third landmine training program China has carried out this year. Each time, the course is offered to participants from a different country, and adjusted to suit their specific needs.

"The training program is designed from basic knowledge to professional operations. For example, we have learned that Laos is suffering from unexploded ordnance, so we added this section to our training program to help them cope with that situation." Said Liu Qiang, training staff from PLA University of Science & Technology.

Mine clearance is dangerous work. It requires both a willingness to face high risks and use extreme caution. The training program enables participants to enhance their demining abilities and bring more professional skills back to their home-countries.

At the end of the course, the trainees also receive mine detection and clearing equipment designed by China.

Though it's the end of their training, participants know it's just the start of helping their countries rebuild.