Chinese and US military troops staged joint drills in China's Kunming city on Friday, an effort to enhance coordinate responses during humanitarian disasters.

"This kind of exchange acts as a bridge to promote relations between the two militaries" Gen. Liu Xiaowu, commanded of the ground forces for China's Southern Theater Command, said.

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The drill simulated a rescue and resettlement scenario that involves a fictional strong earthquake hitting a plateau country, state-backed Xinhua News agency reported. At least 89 US military personnel and 134 from China participated in the drill and used engineering equipment and helicopters, according to Sputnik News.

Meanwhile, there were also around 40 military officers from 24 countries who witnessed the joint exercises. The main goal was to hone the troops' disaster relief skills and look beyond both countries ongoing political tension, the NBC News noted.

"These types of military-to-military exchanges are really critical because of the trust they build," US Army Pacific Commander Gen. Robert Brown said, adding that he would advise the incoming administration to maintain such engagement, the ABC news reported.

Even though China does not appreciate the US Navy's presence in the South China City, both world powers have continued to hold joint naval exercises. It recently carried out drills in the Hawaiian coast focused on humanitarian disasters.

"No matter who is president, as long as it's aimed at humanitarian relief to help relieve suffering of those in disaster zones, it will win support," Liu said.

So far, US President-elect Donald Trump has not commented on a defense policy with regard to China, although he has kept no secret of his negative stance on trade with the country.

According to Xinhua, the recent military exercise is the fourth one conducted between China and the United States since 2013.

Tagschina, US, humanitarian relief drill, Military drill, joint military exercises