China, Mongolia launch joint military training

Mongolian side visit Chinese rescue equipment during the opening of a joint training for natural disaster relief at a training center in Tavan Tolgoi, Mongolia, Sept. 16, 2013. Chinese and Mongolian armed forces on Monday kicked off joint training for natural disaster relief. The eight-day training, code-named "Prairie Pioneer," features joint training courses, discussion forums, simulation and field exercises. (Xinhua/Wang Ning)

Chinese and Mongolian armed forces on Monday kicked off joint training for natural disaster relief.

The eight-day training, code-named "Prairie Pioneer," features joint training courses, discussion forums, simulation and field exercises.

Simulating an earthquake scenario, the troops will have to respond to various situations, including road collapses, muddy roads, snowstorms and fire alarms. There will be exercises for quake relief in urban areas, emergency electricity supply, establishment of water-processing stations and make-shift shelters, as well as the provision of medical services.

The training aimed to help the two military forces improve capacity in non-traditional security fields such as natural disaster relief, enhance pragmatic cooperation and exchanges and promote the development of bilateral military relations.

It is the second joint military training between China and Mongolia after joint peace-keeping exercises in 2009.