Deputy Commander of Chinese Navy's Southern Theater Command was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Commander Pakistan fleet Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq said Exercise Sea Guardians will usher into a new era of cooperation between navies of the two countries.

China is being represented by five major ships, including the guided-missile destroyer Yinchuan, the guided-missile frigate Yuncheng, the comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu, and the submarine rescue ship Liugongdao.

Pakistan Navy has deployed two Zulfiquar-class F22P/F21 frigates, two fast attack craft, one fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol aircraft, two ship-borne helicopters and more than 60 special operations soldiers.

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy said that the exercise was aimed at an exchange of professional experiences against maritime threats and naval cooperation.

The drill consists of two phases including port training and maritime joint drill. The drill covers subjects including discussion and exchange, tactical deduction, formation movement, joint patrol, air-defense and anti-missile, maritime interception and temporary inspection, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations, joint anti-submarine, maritime live-firing, and joint marine training.

Maritime Business World