From 12 through 14 July the Russian Red Cross (RRC) and the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) conducted an international emergency response exercise. Its purpose was to ensure better coordination of the two rescue teams and promote professional experience exchange to enhance the capacity of both parties in the field of international humanitarian operations.
The activity was organized in the hands-on field training format with some elements of headquarters drill. The combined team worked through a large-scale flood scenario that involved search and rescue, first aid, humanitarian relief at the temporary accommodation point, deflooding of a social sector facility and other operations performed under increased risk.
“The joint exercise we just completed offered the first experience of coordinated action of rescue teams in the history of our national societies. We view this important innovative practice not only as rescue skills training but primarily as enhancement of mutual trust between our organizations. This kind of cooperative field work enables us to speak the same language of mercy and act as a single mechanism when time is what counts,” Russian Red Cross President Pavel Savchuk pointed out.
The program consisted of three phases: sharing of emergency response experience between the Russian Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of China, familiarization with equipment and headquarters arrangements, and practical work following a common scenario. The training concerned coordination of activities through the united headquarters, water rescue, search operations in forested areas, first aid treatment and pumping out flood water from a social sector facility.
“Cooperation between the Red Cross Society of China and the Russian Red Cross has a great potential for development. The Red Cross Society of China views this joint exercise as a starting point for putting such exercises into regular practice, and is determined to develop a deeper collaboration in such areas as emergency preparedness and disaster response, mutual visits by the leaders, youth exchange programs and cooperation between regional branches in order to improve the quality of humanitarian assistance. We are confident that by joint effort we will be able to further strengthen the friendly bonds between the two countries’ national societies, help enhance the well-being of the peoples of China and Russia, further the development of international humanitarian work, and make a more tangible contribution to shaping a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” said Bian Xiao, RCSC Vice-President.
The joint exercise was a continuation of close and systemic cooperation between the Russian Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of China. In 2024, the parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation which defined mutual priorities for the future and laid a solid foundation for partnership development. In 2025, the two organizations held a joint conference under the title “Prospects for Russian-Chinese Humanitarian Cooperation” which provided a venue for sharing experience in matters of international coordination, international humanitarian law, emergency preparedness and response, resource mobilization and financial management, digital transformation, and activities of youth Red Cross organizations.
