AKP Guangxi, September 18, 2026 --

ASEAN Member States and China are strengthening regional disaster management and humanitarian response capabilities through joint initiatives focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation rescue technology.

The multilateral effort centres on the 3rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Workshop on Urban Emergency Rescue, taking place from Sept. 17 to 21 in Nanning, China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Co-chaired by China, Lao PDR, and Malaysia, the five-day gathering brings together emergency responders, technical experts, civil defence officials, and regional media delegations, including representatives from Cambodia, to address escalating risks in expanding urban centres.

With rapid urbanisation and climate-induced severe weather posing complex safety challenges across Southeast Asia and China, the workshop highlights how digital intelligence can modernise traditional emergency services.

Media delegates and specialists are also observing field demonstrations and engaging in technical exchanges focused on responding to severe natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, and water-based rescue operations.

In addition, the delegation will visit the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre to explore how advanced digital technology can be applied to real-world emergency management and rescue planning.

The ARF is an ASEAN-led multilateral security dialogue and cooperation mechanism that brings together countries and entities from across the Asia-Pacific region to address common political and security challenges.

Beyond technical exercises and technology showcases, the programme provides participants with an opportunity to experience local culture through an organised visit to Nanning.

By Sophat