ABOARD SILK ROAD ARK – The Chinese naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark has completed a landmark medical rescue exercise in Atlantic waters this week, marking its first overseas emergency response drill of 2026. The operation tested comprehensive capabilities in trauma treatment, mass casualty evacuation, and sea-air coordination under challenging maritime conditions.
As part of ongoing Mission Harmony initiatives launched in 2025, the drill saw medical teams establish floating triage centers while shipborne helicopters conducted simulated patient transfers. The vessel's 300-bed medical facility demonstrated advanced surgical capabilities during a 48-hour continuous emergency simulation.
Naval spokesperson Commander Li Wei told KhabarAsia: 'This exercise enhances our capacity to provide international humanitarian assistance. The Silk Road Ark represents China's commitment to global health security through practical cooperation.'
Analysts note the drill occurs amid growing international focus on maritime emergency response systems, with the World Health Organization projecting a 30% increase in ocean-based medical emergencies by 2028. The Silk Road Ark is scheduled to conduct joint training with multiple nations' health services later this year.
