Sino-French maritime exercise comprehensive

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, March 15, 2004

Sino-French maritime exercise comprehensive

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The joint maritime exercises between China and France scheduled for Tuesday will be the most comprehensive military exercises between China and foreign countries so far, the captain of a Chinese warship said Monday in Qingdao.

The French naval fleet arrived in Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong province, Friday morning for the joint exercises with the North China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. The two sides will conduct the first naval drills in the area.

Ju Xinchun, captain of the Chinese guided missile destroyer Harbin, said the drills will involve refueling exercises at sea.

The French fleet with 322 crew members aboard includes anti-submarine-warfare destroyer Latouche-Treville and a light frigate Commandant Birot.

Ju Xinchun, 39, said the French navy, founded in the 17th century, had a long history and strong combat effectiveness. "The French navy is experienced and we are eager to learn from them their experience in coordination skills in joint military exercises," said Ju.

"We have had only four days for detailed consultations on preparation work since their arrival," said Ju. "Until now, the two sides have cooperated very well with two formal consultations as well as several contacts between different groups."

The one-day exercise includes ship and shipboard helicopter tactic maneuvers, refueling exercises at sea, communication and search and rescue exercise, sources from the North China Sea Fleetof the PLA Navy said.

Ju said all detailed consultations between the two sides are directly between the warships, officers and soldiers, which is in line with the international practice.

French naval officer: Chinese navy impressive

The Chinese navy's advanced equipment and professionalism is impressive, says a French officer aboard the visiting frigate on Monday.

Christine Allain, second in command of the French light frigate Commandant Birot, made the remark after visiting the Chinese guided missile destroyer Harbin.

The Harbin destroyer, fuel tanker Hongze Lake and helicopter Dolphin will work with the French warships for the first naval drills.

The guided missile destroyer is an advanced destroyer made in China and began operation in 1994. It has visited eight countries during its four friendly visits to foreign countries.

Allain, as a woman operational officer aboard, is in charge of operations concerned with battle, including torpedo firing, radar and electronic equipment aboard the frigate.

The joint naval exercises would be helpful in enhancing coordination, communication and mutual trust at sea between the two navies, said Allain.

Allain is directly involved in consultations and drills design with the Chinese side and takes charge of all drill activities board the frigate, including flag signaling, refueling, shipboard helicopter maneuvers and joint search-and-rescue exercises.

Allain took pride in visiting China, saying she was impressed by seeing that the Chinese naval officers were highly devoted to study and had a good command of English.

The five-day tour is the twelfth visit made by French warships to China and the fourth to Qingdao, the base of the North China Sea Fleet of the PLA.

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