China gets international recognition for search-and-rescue standards

China has passed an accreditation process recognized by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a United Nations-coordinated global network for urban search-and-rescue cooperation, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The ministry said in a news release on Tuesday that China has become the 10th country worldwide to pass the International Recognition of National Accreditation Process. Accordingly, China's urban search-and-rescue system has reached an internationally advanced level, and its rescue capabilities have gained broad recognition from the international community.

According to the statement, China is now officially authorized by INSARAG to assess domestic rescue teams and award INSARAG badges to those who meet international standards.

Earlier this month, the ministry's assessment committee on earthquake rescue capability conducted the accreditation exercise at the national earthquake emergency rescue training base in Beijing.

Led by the China Earthquake Emergency Search and Rescue Center, the exercise brought together more than 160 personnel from multiple organizations, including the Beijing Fire and Rescue Corps, the National Emergency Medical Rescue Team, the China International Search and Rescue Team, and Beijing Language and Culture University.

The drill simulated realistic earthquake scenarios and involved more than 30 hours of continuous field operations, demonstrating efficient, well-coordinated rescue capabilities, the ministry said.

The evaluation panel consisted of 10 international technical experts from INSARAG along with 10 Chinese assessment experts.

A dual-standard review system — combining both international and domestic criteria — was used to ensure the professionalism and authority of the accreditation process, according to the release.