PLA warships visit San Diego after RIMPAC

Want China Times, Xinhua 2014-08-12

Chinese frigates arrive at the US Naval Base in San Diego, Aug. 10. (Photo/Xinhua)

A Chinese flotilla arrived at Naval Base San Diego on Sunday for a five-day visit after its debut in the world's largest maritime military drill.

The Task Group 171, which include missile destroyer Haikou, missile frigate Yueyang and supply ship Qiandaohu, with a ship-borne helicopter and more than 700 soldiers and officers, participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise off Hawaii.

"Military to military engagements, like RIMPAC and this port visit are very important to the relationship between our navies. They help us build trust and enhance transparency," Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commander of US Navy Region Southwest said at a welcome ceremony featuring Chinese cultural performances.

Commander of the Chinese fleet, Rear Admiral Shen Jinlong, said, "China's participation in the RIMPAC with four naval ships represents an important measure to push forward the new type navy-to-navy relations characterized by harmony, progress and pragmatic cooperation and it will have a very positive effect on advancing the relationships between our navies."

"The Chinese and US navies will conduct extensive and in-depth exchanges during the visit," he told Xinhua.

Visitors were invited to tour the three Chinese warships as Chinese lion dancers and drummers performed on the pier during the ceremony.

"The Chinese Navy has shown the openness and confidence and I am so impressed with the destroyer Haikou," Tom Chen, a visitor, said.

RIMPAC, started in 1971, is the world's largest multinational maritime military drill. A total of 22 nations participated in this year's naval drill from June 26 to Aug. 1.