China makes second apperance at RIMPAC 2016

World Today

China makes second apperance at RIMPAC 2016

The world’s largest multi-national maritime drill, RIMPAC, is under way. And China is joining the exercises for the second time.

CCTV America’s Nathan King reports.

The ships are in port and RIMPAC 2016 is in full swing. China’s five ships led by guided missile destroyer Xian are a step up from the four ships deployed two years ago.

In addition, China’s submarine logistics vessel, the Changxingdao, will have center stage, participating in a submarine rescue exercise.

There is a global system to help submarines in trouble. In fact everything about this six-week exercise is about cooperation and burden sharing, face to face putting differences aside.

Two years ago, China’s first participation at RIMPAC forged relationships not just on deck and at sea, but on the football field and even on the dance floor. With a bigger contingent this time, much is expected. The U.S. hosts have made no secret of how impressed they have been of the Chinese vessels so far and the exercises they have conducted. In fact they have even hinted that China could play a leadership role in RIMPAC going forward.