U.S. commander says disaster relief drill with China improves relationship

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- The U.S. military Pacific Commander, Samuel Locklear, said here Tuesday that a joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise to be held this month helps improve the relationship between the United States and China.

Locklear told a news briefing that the Pacific Command's Army component commander in Hawaii has been looking forward to the Nov. 12-14 exercise "for some time," as the Army will host the People's Liberation Army soldiers of China to train together in a field environment, simulating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to a fictional third country.

Summing up his expectations for the joint exercise, Locklear said both militaries can learn something in disaster management, and "better prepared tomorrow than yesterday."

"In relation to our ability to do this with our Chinese counterparts," he said, "this kind of exercise gives us a place to start, and get into the rhythm of understanding and trusting each other."

"I'm looking forward to it," he added. "I think it will be a great exercise."

The joint exercise was announced during an August visit to Washington by Chinese Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan, as China and the United States expand their military-to-military relationship and explore cooperation opportunities in non- traditional security areas.

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