PLA vessels join Pacific naval drill for the first time

After a wave of diplomatic tension in recent months, China and the United States are hoping for a period of smooth sailing as they show their willingness to improve military ties in the world's largest naval drill, which began on Thursday.

China, which is participating in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercise for the first time, sent several advanced vessels to help forge a new era in the Sino-US military relationship, National Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said on Thursday.

In a departure from normal procedure, the US allowed the Chinese forces to take part in the operations, when, normally, nations making a first appearance at the biennial event were only accorded observer status, Yang said.