A Chinese fleet has arrived at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor to take part in this year’s Rim of the Pacific multi-national naval exercise. It is the second time the Chinese Navy has participated in the biennial exercise. The fleet includes five warships, three helicopters, and a marine and diving squad.

Its presence is only bettered by the United States and Canada. This year’s RIMPAC is the 25th in the series and is scheduled to end August 4. Twenty-six nations, 45 ships, five submarines, 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate.

“China attaches great importance to participating in the RIMPAC naval exercises. We think it will help us improve our capacity when faced with non-traditional security threats. Also it will deepen communication and collaboration between our navy and other countries,” said Wu Qian, spokesman of Chinese Defense Ministry.

“It is understood that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy fleet 153 has arrived in Hawaii on June 29. Next, China will join exercises along the harbor, taking part in a number of activities. Chinese Fleet 153 will join in drills in the seas around Hawaii as scheduled since July 12.”