Rescue forces get top rating in review

The performance of China's rescue forces is at a high level, ready for international and domestic emergencies, an international peer review evaluation concluded.

The China International Search & Rescue Team passed its three-day peer review on Thursday, reclaiming its expired title of "Heavy Team," the United Nations' highest international external classification.

That title means China's rescue team is officially recognized as excellent. On short notice, it can mobilize within eight hours of a request and can be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours for a response assignment of up to 10 days in challenging conditions.