25 March 2016

News Story: China confirms participation in naval drill in Pacific

BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China has confirmed it will send military vessels to participate in a multinational naval drill in the Pacific, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

"The United States has offered an official invitation to China to join in the RIMPAC-2016 joint exercise, and China has confirmed it will send military ships to take part in the drill," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing.

"China and the U.S. are in close communication and coordination," Hua said.

Her comments came after U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday the U.S. is "reassessing" China's participation and that "China is, self-isolating... that's why all these partners are coming to us."

Read the full story at Xinhua