China recently issued a set of regulations on army's participation in dealing with emergencies and disaster relief, which spell out the responsibilities of the army in these affairs.

According to the regulations, jointly endorsed by Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Hu Jintao, major tasks of the army in such affairs include rescue, transport, road repair, epidemic control and medical treatment operations as well as protecting important targets, removing dangers and aiding reconstruction in the disaster areas.

The army will engage in the relief activities upon the request of the central or local governments. The central and local finances are to fund these operations of the army, according to the regulations.

The regulations will take effect as of July 1, 2005.

The Chinese army has long played an important role in dealing with emergencies and disaster relief, especially in major floods and earthquakes.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2005)