US destroyer drops anchor in Qingdao

Despite the tensions in the South China Sea, military-to-military exchange between China and the United States sails on unabated.

In this image released by the US Navy, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson visits the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) Submarine Academy, North Sea Fleet Headquarters and a PLAN frigate and submarine in Qingdao, China, on July 20, 2016. Richardson is on a multi-day trip to China to meet with his counterpart, improve mutual understanding, and encourage professional interaction between the two navies. [Photo/CFP]

The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, arrived Monday in Qingdao, Shandong province, for a 5-day visit, according to China's Ministry of National Defense and the US Navy.

A US Navy statement said Benfold's visit advances maritime cooperation and encourages a positive naval relationship with the People's Liberation Army Navy North Sea Fleet.

The North Sea Fleet, headquartered in Qingdao, held a welcoming ceremony on Monday for the Benfold, with a total of 285 crew members, according to China's defense ministry.

US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift was also scheduled to arrive Monday to join Benfold for the visit.

"Sailors are sailors at the end of the day, be it in the east or in the west; we all face the same challenges at sea," Benfold commanding officer Justin Harts said in a statement.

"These similarities unite us. I am sure that by the end of the week we will see that American sailors and Chinese sailors are as close as any other sailors out on the high seas. The port visit is a tremendous opportunity to build relationships between sailors based on shared interests and perspectives," Harts said.

In Qingdao, crew of the Benfold, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, will host a reception and ship visits, as well as attend receptions and visits hosted by the PLA Navy. The scheduled events include a sports day featuring soccer, basketball and tug-of-war contests and a concert by the US 7th Fleet Band.