Australian military doctors join Chinese ship

SYDNEY - Two Australian military medical officers have joined the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy hospital ship Peace Ark on a mission in the South Pacific, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) announced on Tuesday.

The deployment followed an invitation from vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, General Fan Changlong, during his visit to Australia in July.

The ADF medical officers will work closely with their PLA colleagues to provide medical support during the Peace Ark's mission to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea through to Sept 11.

The capacity of ADF and PLA personnel to work closely together was most recently demonstrated during Operation Southern Indian Ocean.

"Australia welcomes China's ongoing assistance with the search for missing Malaysian airlines flight MH370, which has reinforced the tangible benefits of our practical engagement," a Defence spokesman said in a statement.

"Working together with the PLA during the Peace Ark's South Pacific medical assistance mission demonstrates how defence cooperation between Australia and China can contribute to regional security and be of real practical assistance to regional partners."