China's rescue teams obtain top UN classification

China has become the first Asian country to boast two heavy urban search and rescue teams, earning the United Nations' highest external classification for rescue forces.

The China International Search and Rescue Team passed its three-day peer review on Tuesday, while the China Search and Rescue Team passed the UN assessment for the first time.

"They've done exceptionally well," said Ramesh Rajasingham, director of the coordination division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "We are all super impressed with their discipline, motivation, determination and the organization."

"They will be fantastic assets to the international system of search and rescue in disasters and we look forward to more cooperation with them internationally," he added.