In a milestone for international disaster relief, the Chinese mainland’s two elite units—the China Search and Rescue Team and the China International Search and Rescue Team—have secured reclassification as INSARAG-certified Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams.
The certification ceremony in Beijing featured Xu Jia’ai, Vice Minister of Emergency Management of the Chinese mainland, and Sarah Muscroft, representing the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), underscoring a deepening partnership in global rescue efforts.
Established in 1991 under UNOCHA, INSARAG sets the gold standard for earthquake response and urban rescue operations. From May 27 to 28, 18 experts from 14 countries conducted a rigorous assessment, involving more than 40 hours of nonstop rescue drills.
By the numbers:
- 33 teams worldwide hold INSARAG Heavy USAR status
- China Search and Rescue Team: passed classification twice since August 2018
- China International Search and Rescue Team: certified four times since April 2001
- Evaluated by 18 experts from 14 countries over 40+ hours of drills
- Observed by over 60 rescue professionals, including the rescue team of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and volunteer brigades
“This reclassification marks a new starting point,” said Xu Jia’ai, emphasizing the Chinese mainland’s dedication to enhancing readiness and expanding capabilities for emergencies at home and abroad.
“For us in the United Nations, we very much value the leadership role that the Chinese mainland plays not just in the region but within the INSARAG network,” Muscroft said.
As natural disasters increase in frequency and intensity, these dual-certified USAR units position the Chinese mainland to deploy swiftly—from local earthquake responses to international humanitarian missions.
From the relentless drills in Beijing to the next real-world mission, these teams are setting new benchmarks in speed, skill and global solidarity, inspiring the next generation of changemakers in disaster response.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
