The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted a port visit and naval exercise with the People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) in Zhanjiang, China from October 31 to November 2.
The port visit by HMA Ships Stuart and Arunta to Zhanjiang included a combined planning session for the exercise, official functions with local dignitaries, sporting activities, discussions on the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, and other mariner skills training.
The visit concluded November 2 with a combined exercise involving joint search and rescue training, tactical evolutions, communications drills, and a live fire activity.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC said the professional and cultural exchanges included in the visit will strengthen Australia’s defence ties with China.
The conduct of these activities between navies is the oldest form of international diplomacy and is fundamental in developing our understanding and cooperation between the RAN and the PLA-N.
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Image: Australian Navy