Multinational search for missing MH370 plane laudable, unprecedented

CHINA'S EFFORTS

China has made all-out efforts in searching for the missing flight.

By May 1, China had deployed 18 naval ships and coordinated 66 merchant ships and 20 fishing boats in the search, covering an area of about 1.4 million square km. China has also sent 13 search planes to the target area and deployed 21 satellites in the hunt, which meant the largest scale operation of search and rescue by China in history.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wing Commander David Turner said cooperation with Chinese colleagues had been brilliant.

"We've been thrilled to work with them and admired that they've displayed an incredible level of professionalism," he said, "They've been hospitable, friendly and it's been nothing but an extreme privilege to work alongside them."

Colin Barnett, premier of Western Australia, thanked China, along with other nations involved, for their assistance in the search efforts.

"Listening to the feedback from the Commonwealth agencies leading this search effort, there has been nothing but praise for the international efforts and the conduct of all the amalgamated defence forces," he said.

"Western Australia's long-established relationship with China has to date been focused around trade but the Chinese authorities' assistance with the search for MH370 has broadened and deepened that relationship," he said.

Houston, as the JACC chief, noted that, during the visual search, China provided the greatest number of ships, seven, which, together with the Chinese aircraft, did a magnificent job.

He added that Chinese expertise was instrumental to the work of the expert team in Kulua Lumpur.

RAAF Group Commander Craig Heap, who leads and coordinates the air search mission, has described the Chinese airforce detachment searching for the missing MH370 in Australia as very professional and they made great contributions to the search mission.

Heap said the Chinese crew had made a "fantastic contribution" since their first operation on March 23. "They have conducted many search missions and they are highly professional. We are very happy that they are here for the multinational effort," Heap said.

He added the Chinese detachment had done an "extensive visual search and provided significant contributions" which "China should be proud".

RAAF pilot Tom Blackburnen said the Chinese air force had an extraordinary spirit of team work and learning ability, which indicated they were well trained.

At Perth airport, Chinese aircraft were the first to leave for the search area almost every day, said Qian Feng, vice director and chief editor of Asian Daily in Thailand.

This showed China's deep concern for the Chinese passengers aboard the missing MH370 and China's mien as a responsible country in a joint international operation.