WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — China’s decision to participate in the RIMPAC is a signal of common security cooperation in the Pacific, Carter stated.
"China will be participating in RIMPAC. That’s a perfect example… of countries working together, their militaries working together for common purpose," Carter stated during a press conference in Singapore.
Carter was adverse to commenting on tensions between China and its neighbors, noting only that China is a "rising power" in the region, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation.
On Thursday, Chinese Navy spokesman Liang Yang confirmed that a Chinese missile destroyer, missile frigate, supply ship, hospital ship, submarine rescue vessel and two helicopters would take part in RIMPAC 2016.
China will join 26 other nations in the world’s largest maritime exercise.
