Chinese navy to join 2016 RIMPAC naval drill

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:01, June 03, 2016

BEIJING, June 2 -- The Chinese navy will participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multinational naval exercises, said Liang Yang, the navy spokesperson, on Thursday.

Attending the drill will be a missile destroyer, a missile frigate, a supply ship, a hospital ship, a submarine rescue vessel and two helicopters.

As previously agreed by the Chinese and U.S. navies, China will take part in a series of exercises, including damage control and submarine rescue, said Liang.

Sports events and exchanges will be held between the two sides, Liang added.

Naval forces from China will join a U.S. warship in the west Pacific in mid-June and then sail to Pearl Harbor in formation.

In 2014, the Chinese navy participated in RIMPAC multinational naval exercises for the first time.