China-Laos "Peace Train-2026" mission successfully concludes

VIENTIANE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) "Peace Train" medical team departed Vientiane Station on the China-Laos Railway on Tuesday evening, marking the successful conclusion of the 17-day China-Laos "Peace Train-2026" joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise and medical service mission.

A farewell ceremony was held at Vientiane station. Chandy Soulivongsak, director general of the General Logistics Department of the Lao People's Army, congratulated the Chinese medical team on the successful completion of its mission.

During the joint exercise, Chinese and Lao military medical personnel simulated an international humanitarian medical rescue operation following a super typhoon. The two sides established a three-tier command and four-tier rescue system and used a medical train, field medical equipment, and unmanned intelligent systems.

Following the exercise, the Chinese medical team selected more than 70 specialists to form four medical detachments. They provided services, including free clinics, health check-ups, joint consultations, teaching rounds, surgical mentoring, and academic lectures, to local military personnel and civilians.

From 2017 to 2026, the "Peace Train" medical team has been deployed to Laos six times. Song Caiping, the team leader, noted that the close collaboration between the Chinese and Lao sides not only yielded new experience in joint medical support but also forged a sincere and cherished friendship.

Both sides expressed their commitment to building on the mission as a new starting point for expanded exchanges, mutual benefit, and broader cooperation between the Chinese and Lao militaries.