A workshop on the participation in international disaster relief has started at the Shijiazhuang Army Command College in China's northern province of Hebei. This is the first international seminar held by the Chinese armed forces on non-traditional security cooperation.

Participants in the workshop include defence officers and the commanders of relief troops from the ten ASEAN member countries as well as China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The workshop aims to explore the role of the armed forces in the international disaster relief cooperations. Topics for discussion include the legitimacy of such operations, as well as the coordination systems and standard operational procedures.

General Qian Lihua, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Defence Ministry said "There are more participants at this year's workshop and they are also higher ranking. This reflects the interest of the participating countries in international cooperation for disaster relief. The workshop will also help improve the relief capability of the concerned countries, and enhance understanding between their armed forces."

More than 100,000 PLA soldiers and paramilitary troops have been involved in the Wenchuan earthquake relief operations. They have earned a reputation for heroism and efficiency.

Military officials say the Wenchuan earthquake was unprecedented in scale presenting an enormous challenges for rescuers.

General Zhan Yu, President of Shijiazhuang Army Command College said "The earthquake and several other disasters have provided new topics regarding relief operations for discussion here."

The participants are also scheduled to attend a disaster relief drill by PLA troops located in Shijiazhuang.