By Shannon Tiezzi
For the first time, Chinese ships are on their way to participate in the international RIMPAC naval exercises.
Four Chinese ships set sail on Monday, on their way to take part in the Hawaii-based RIMPAC international maritime exercise. This year’s RIMPAC will feature participants from 23 nations, with China joining for the very first time. According to Chinese media reports, China will be represented at RIMPAC by theHaikou (a missile destroyer), the Yueyang (a missile frigate), the Qiandaohu (a supply ship), and the Peace Ark (a hospital ship). 1,100 Chinese officers and soldiers will take part in the drill, including a diving squad and a commando unit.
RIMPAC, the largest joint maritime exercise in the world, is hosted every two years by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This year’s exercises are scheduled to last from June 26 to August 1. The exercise is officially described as “a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.” Exercises during RIMPAC will touch on a variety of capabilities, including disaster relief, counter-piracy operations, mine clearing operations, and anti-submarine and air defense exercises.
At the last RIMPAC exercise in 2012, China was upset by the fact that Russia and India participated for the first time, but Beijing did not merit an invitation (India did not end up sending a ship, but was represented by command staff). Chinese media denounced RIMPAC as an attempt to contain China’s rise by forging U.S. military relationship with other Asia-Pacific nations.
Read the full story at The Diplomat